Aussie T-Ball and SWIN come together like Glove and Ball

This week begins the annual NAIDOC week (July 1-8), which celebrates the rich and culturally diverse history of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders through recognition of past and present achievements. 

South West Indigenous Network (SWIN) has for many years been developing partnerships with sporting associations to provide indigenous children with opportunities to develop their life skills and to help ensure a brighter future for indigenous children.

Baseball Queensland is working on the ground with SWIN in a partnership fostered to increase baseball participation throughout South West indigenous communities.  Aussie T-Ball has been recognised as the integral program that promotes the same inherent values SWIN apply in their communities; participation, inclusivity and fun.

Shayne Watson, Baseball Queensland Development Officer, has been visiting SWIN communities in regional Queensland, teaching them the baseball basics and equipping them with the Aussie T-Ball program to implement locally.

“Aussie T-Ball is a fantastic way for SWIN to promote increased participation within local communities through a combined love of baseball and recreation. With each team only needing six players there are significant advantages for those regional areas that have lower participation rates to still run programs effectively and to promote community involvement.” said Shayne.

SWIN is now recognised as an umbrella organisation of PCYC that for many years has assisted the needs of indigenous children through participation in sporting activities, physical exercise and recreation programs.

Aussie T-Ball is a modified version of baseball designed to introduce children to a physical activity in a safe, non-contact environment.  SWIN has recognised the advantages of introducing Aussie T-Ball to communities as a way to incorporate community spirit, social interaction and stimulate learning development.

Indigenous Sport and Community Recreation Officer Dusty Wilson has enthusiastically endorsed the partnership between SWIN;

“We are very happy to have developed a partnership with the ABF and Baseball QLD. To unroll a program like Aussie T-Ball is a great way to promote positive health and lifestyle choices amongst the south west communities through a mutual love of baseball,” said Mr Wilson.

Both the Australian Baseball Federation and Baseball Queensland are enthusiastic to have the South West Indigenous Network as a key partner to junior baseball development and learning in Queensland.

Further Aussie T-Ball information is available at www.aussietball.com.au.