Of all the sports we host here at Red Energy Arena, balloon football is among those that bring the most joy.
Managed by disability service provider, Scope, the game allows people of all abilities to live out their footy dreams.
“There are players who come because they want to be active, and there are some who come because they want to be competitive, and this is their way of having that weekly competition,” Emily Buxton, Community Inclusion Manager at Scope, says.
“Some people here want to be social – a lot of the players here have very structured lives based on their support network’s timetable, not necessarily their own.
“So, it’s an opportunity to make friends, and maintain social and community connections, so the sport goes beyond ‘the sport’ here in that case.”
Balloon football is played by people using wheelchairs, with the help of support workers and student volunteers from Catherine McAuley College – to get around the court. The aim is to tap the balloon down the court to score a goal or behind.
Played on Fridays, the Bendigo Balloon Football League is now the biggest in Victoria, with room to grow.
“I think this is where the partnerships really play a vital role.
“The partnership with Red Energy Arena has been amazing – the team has been fantastic. It legitimises the sport having it in a state-of-the-art facility.”
“For the broader community who come to the arena, they get to see that people with disability – and some with complex needs – want to play sport, and that sport is just as important to them as it is to other community members.”
Being home to balloon football is just one of the ways Red Energy Arena supports inclusive participation.
“Hosting the Scope Balloon Football League games at Red Energy Arena is truly a fantastic experience,” Craig Armstead, GM – Sport, Red Energy Arena, says.
“This unique and inclusive sport brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience.
“It’s wonderful to walk on to the courts at any time and see various sports that embody our community spirit here at the arena. If I want a smile on my face, I always make sure to catch a game.
“A huge thanks to Scope and the amazing volunteers for bringing this incredible sport to Red Energy Arena.”
The Bendigo Balloon Football League season runs through until September, culminating in a grand final at Red Energy Arena on September 6.
You can learn more about Balloon Football by contacting Scope on 1300 472 673.
