Heroes With Ability burst onto the charity scene several years ago and instantly made an impact in our local community.
Founded by George Tonna and Marco Quintao, the organisation gives people living with disability the opportunity to play sport, teaching them new skills and opening up new experiences to people who had never previously been given the chance.
In early 2023, Nuwarra Public School in Moorebank approached Heroes With Ability about running their program for their students. Soon after, and with a contribution of $10,000 from Sporties, through ClubGRANTS, they became the first primary school to implement the classes.
Sporties has also offered Nuwarra PS the use of the Club’s mini-bus to transport students to and from community events.
Then in November, Sporties sponsored the Heroes With Ability Gala Day held at the Michael Clarke Recreation Centre in Carnes Hill, which was attended by 225 students from schools in Sydney’s south west.
The event was an opportunity for the students to showcase their ability and represent their schools in a competition-style environment. They participated in basketball, kick tennis, jumping over mini-hurdles, target throwing, and agility poles.
Heroes With Ability Founder Marco Quintao says the Gala Day was like the Grand Final for their in-school programs run through the year.
“It was an opportunity for all students to showcase their ability and represent their schools.
“We want every school with students with varying abilities to take part in sport, promote inclusion, and increase the number of people with varying abilities participating in sport”.
In the grand finale, each school took part in a relay event which was won by James Busby High School and Merrylands High School.
Marco says they received fantastic feedback from the day and plan to make next year’s event even bigger.
‘I just wanted to say thank you so much for today, the kids had an absolute ball! They were very excited to return to school and show odd the trophy to the principal, deputies, head teacher, and each of their classes’ – Tristan, Head Teacher Support Unit at James Busby High School.
‘Thank you for starting such a fantastic program’ – Sophita, head teacher Disability/Support at Bossley Park High School.
‘Thank you, Marco and George, for having us. We were very happy that we could come today and be part of this great day. It’s an amazing program and our students love being part of it’ – Antonio, Head Teacher Support Unit at Riverstone High School.
