Back in May this year, I was having a conversation with our Senior Prefect Sam Hardy (12/MO). He had a couple of Service Learning ideas for the student body that he wanted to bounce off me for feedback. One of his suggestions really caught my interest and imagination.

He was telling me how in the US, College sport teams often adopt a young disabled person into their team environment. The young disabled person is often assigned a role to perform within the squad and Sam went on to describe how their presense often inspired and developed team culture, reminding individuals that team sports are about the quality of the relationships established between squad members.

As he floated this idea, I immediately thought of my young mate Michael. Michael Wigan is a family friend of mine. He is 21 years old and was born with Downs Syndrome. Michael is a real Rugby “tragic”. He goes to all the Waratah’s games and simply loves the game, but because of his disability, he has not ever been able to play the game. That’s OK though – there are plenty of us whose physical abilities put limits on our participation in particular sports. What I find sad though, is how Michael’s disability has previously excluded him from ever being part of a team. This is where the boys and coaching staff of our 1st and 2nd XV have stepped up to the plate.

The Rugby boys have not only invited Michael to attend trainings and act as water runner on Match days, they have also warmly embraced him into their squad.

Michael is presently having the time of his life. He refers to the Rugby boys as his “buddies” and his Newington tracksuit and cap takes a prime ceremonial hanging position in his bedroom. He recently got to travel into Stadium Australia on the team bus with the First XV, share in the pre-match excitement inside the locker room and run out onto the hallowed stadium turf when they played in their curtain raiser against Trinity.

 Mr Mick Madden
 Head of Service Learning