Call for community support to help inclusive sporting group for people with disability from cutting activities

Dwindling volunteers and participants and the lasting impact of COVID have left an inclusive sporting group helping those with disabilities on the brink of collapse. WA iSports Inc runs weekly activities for people with intellectual disabilities and those on the autism spectrum to create more inclusive and accessible South West communities. But sports director Ron Trezise said the group had been hit hard by COVID, which had caused a dip in attendance at activities and in the number of volunteers. “We’re struggling quite a bit at the moment,” he said. “Some people aren’t participating anymore and we’ve lost a few volunteers.” “iSports is a unique group ... if we can’t turn things around we’ll have to pack up,” he said. “We rely on community support and if the community isn’t supporting us then we struggle to help back.” On Monday the group received a helping hand from the seniors at Ingenia Gardens Carey Park, who raised $1086. Village manager Trudy Turner said the residents decided who they wanted to raise money for each year and fundraised by selling baked goods. “For pensioners to raise over $1000 is a great thing,” she said. “The residents like to be involved in the wider community and help where they can.” Mr Trezise said the iSports team appreciated any help and called for anyone interested in volunteering to get in touch. “We are very grateful for the donation, any little bit helps us keep going,” he said. “Volunteers are like gold to us. We’re always seeking people to come help.”