ADF kicking goals for adaptive sport

ADF personnel from across Australia supported the AFL Open last month.

Held at La Trobe University Sports Precinct in Bundoora, Victoria, it united the former AFL National Inclusion Carnival and Wheelchair AFL National Championships in to one event.

The ADF provided umpires for the 36-match wheelchair tournament – the 10th year of the wheelchair competition – which has been supported by the AFL, Disability Sports Australia and the ADF.

SQNLDR Mark Rinne, who has supported the tournament since its inception and was a key contributor in establishing the rules of the game, now oversees the standardisation of the rules while in play.

“Ten years is a fantastic achievement,” SQNLDR Rinne said.

“I didn't know when I first wrote the rules back in 2015 that it would come so far in this period of time, and it's a testament to everyone involved.

“The AFL Open provides a valuable opportunity to support the mental and physical wellbeing of participants through sport, while also fostering meaningful connections between current serving members and veterans involved in the RSL Active program.

“It supports veterans and provides opportunities for sailors, soldiers and aviators to participate in competitive sport while undertaking rehabilitation and recovery from long-term injury or illness.”

For BRIG Cam Purdey, chair of ADF Australian Rules, inclusivity is at the heart of the sport and service alike.

“Inclusivity is one of the supporting behaviours for the ADF, so bringing this to sport is fundamental,” BRIG Purdey said.

“The ADF Sport and GPS Branch, in support of its general sports programs, offers a comprehensive adaptive sports program for over a dozen sports.”

BRIG Purdey and SQNLDR Rinne said the ADF would continue to support the AFL Open through the provision of umpires and increasing participation in the ADF Adaptive Sports Program, so more personnel can experience the positive impact sport can have on wellbeing.