We have some incredibly exciting news — our Bathurst All Abilities Netball senior team has been invited to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne this October!

This is an opportunity we could only have dreamed of when our All Abilities Netball journey began in 2024.

For the past two years, our players have taken to the courts every Saturday as part of the regular Bathurst Netball competition.

Our philosophy has always been simple:

If someone wants to be involved, we find a way. No one is left behind.

Our players range from 5 to 73 years of age, with a diverse range of abilities, mobility, communication styles and support needs. Some players run the court independently, while others may need additional time, modified activities, physical assistance or a support person alongside them.

We don’t expect our players to adapt to the game — we adapt the game to our players.

Success looks different for everyone. It might be shooting a first goal, learning to pass, remembering where to stand, developing the confidence to join in or simply turning up each Saturday knowing you are an important part of a team.

Over the past three years, we have watched our players grow not only in their netball skills, but in their confidence, independence, friendships and sense of belonging.

Recently, our senior players represented Bathurst at an All Abilities Netball Carnival for the first time. Now, they have been given the incredible opportunity to take the next step and compete at the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne.

Why we need your help

This amazing opportunity comes with a significant financial cost.

All money raised will directly support players in costs for participation fees, as well as flights, accommodation, transport and to accommodate a support person for each player!

Each player will also need to travel with their family, carer or support person to provide the individual support they require throughout their stay, creating additional costs for families.

With the Games taking place in October, there isn’t a lot of time to raise the funds needed.

That’s why we’re asking our wonderful Bathurst and surrounding communities to get behind our team.

Funds raised through this GoFundMe will go towards reducing the costs associated with getting our players to Melbourne and giving as many of our athletes as possible the opportunity to participate.

Every donation will make a difference.

Whether it’s $10, $50, $100 or more, every contribution gets our players one step closer to Melbourne.

For us, this isn’t simply about playing netball.

It’s about people with disability having the opportunity to travel with their teammates, compete, build independence, make friendships, experience a major sporting event and proudly represent their community on a national stage.

One of the biggest things our program aims to do is remove barriers to participation.

We don’t want finances to become the barrier that stops one of our players from experiencing this opportunity.

Three years ago, this started with a six-week program.

Then our players found their place on the courts every Saturday.

Recently, our senior team represented Bathurst at their first All Abilities Carnival.

Now they have the chance to represent Bathurst at the National Games.

If you’re able to donate, we would be incredibly grateful. If you can’t donate, sharing our fundraiser would mean just as much and help us reach more people.

Everyone deserves to play.

Everyone deserves to belong.

Everyone deserves a team.

Help us get Bathurst to Melbourne!