A friendly soccer match has been held in the South East to help break down the barriers between athletes with and without disabilities.
The Limestone Coast all-ability soccer team threw down the challenge to members of the community to take them on in a competition at Tenison Woods College in Mount Gambier on Sunday.
Members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and a local business answered the call and took to the pitch.
Special Olympics Barker Clubs soccer coach Keith Seiler said it was a great experience for the players.
"Our game time is very limited, so this is so important to our guys," Mr Seiler said.
"They'll be proud of what they achieved."
Mr Seiler said the group had been getting together most Saturdays for training and he was amazed by the development.
"Some of these guys only just started this year and never kicked a ball until they started with us," he said.
"Giving people opportunities to excel at their own pace is what Special Olympics is all about.
Sport is for everyone
Law Enforcement Torch Run member and Limestone Coast police Senior Constable Jade Hill was one of the competitors on the day and admitted it was a humbling experience.
"That's why it's called all-ability — I'm not a soccer player and these guys are far better at it than me.
"It's just about everybody having a go and us being a part of their community."
Senior Constable Hill said she loved being a part of something so inclusive.
"It's really great to bring everybody together and let some of the vulnerable people in our community know that we're safe people," she said.
Family day out
A large group of families and friends also gathered at the pitch to watch the athletes, which Mr Seiler said was a real buzz for everyone involved.
"Some of these guys are in care and some are living independently, so to have their families with them now is so important," he said.
After a successful day finding the back of the net yesterday, Mr Seiler extended the challenge to the wider Limestone Coast.
"Any group of five friends, it doesn't matter what background you have, contact me and we will have a game," he said.
"It is all about having fun and being part of a community and this community is growing."
