Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that the club has received a significant Government grant to assist in the delivery and growth of one of its community programs.
The club is set to receive $300,000 over the coming two years to deliver the Wests Tigers Varying Abilities Program, a program that was launched last year.
The Wests Tigers Varying Abilities Program is a one-hour interactive anti-bullying program designed specifically to reduce and prevent bullying against people with a disability by encouraging individuals and groups to celebrate differences and be more inclusive.
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said that the grant which was through the Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILD) Program that is a part of the NDIA was a major boost for the club.
"We're very proud of the Wests Tigers Varying Abilities Program and the support of the Government will allow us to further develop and grow the program over the coming two years," said Pascoe.
"The program is delivered by Wests Tigers staff and Physical Disability players in schools and we intend on reaching 20,000 students across New South Wales per year.
"The idea behind the program is that all people have ability, just on a varying level, and those with a disability can achieve equally what able-bodied people can," he said. "The program showcases the achievements of our Physical Disability team and NRL team on a level playing field which increases inclusion and also builds confidence and aspirations in those who are living with a disability.
"Since being piloted last year the program has been introduced into schools throughout our region and this investment will allow us to significantly increase the amount of students who will be a part of it."
The program includes a video with members of both Wests Tigers' NRL and Physical Disability teams talking about their achievements and inclusion, a segment on facts versus myths regarding people with a disability and activities that give able-bodied students the opportunity to experience different elements of disability.
Wests Tigers would like to thank Community Partners WestConnex and Afford for their support, the investment from both organisations allowed the club to develop and launch the Wests Tigers Varying Abilities Program.
