RIDING FOR THE DISABLED STATE GAMES RETURNS TO PINJARRA
25 August, 2016
Young riders with disabilities from all over the state will return to Pinjarra for the Riding for the Disabled Association WA (RDAWA) 2016 State Games which will be held on Saturday 10 September.
The State Games provides an opportunity for RDAWA riders with disabilities and special needs to come together and compete in friendly mounted games competition, which demonstrates their abilities, achievements and skills whilst allowing them the opportunity to showcase these to their family and friends.
Community TAB is an ongoing sponsor of RDAWA and is sponsor of the State Games for a second year in a row.
RDAWA Executive Officer Kelly Mansfield said the ongoing partnership with Community TAB has been fundamental to the development of the organisation.
“The $11,500 sponsorship of the State Games from Community TAB means we can hold this great event again for the riders and volunteers who work so hard all year round,” Ms Mansfield said.
“Over 900 riders of all ages with intellectual and physical disabilities attend RDAWA centres around WA, and this is the one annual event where everyone comes together for a big family day out to show what they have learnt and the improvements they have made not only as a rider, but in their daily lives.
“We see so much joy on the faces of the riders and their families at the State Games.”
The RDAWA State Games is a family friendly event held at the Murray Mandurah centre which is situated within the grounds of Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra. This year will also see the event opened up to the general public to come along and experience for themselves the difference RDA makes in their community.
Riders participate in a range of individual games including; jumping, handy pony, barrel racing, lasso the cow and a highlight of the day is the mounted fancy dress competition which allows riders, volunteers and horses to work together and explore their creative side.
Racing and Wagering WA Chief Executive Officer Richard Burt said the partnership with RDAWA is very close to the heart of Community TAB.
“Community TAB recognises how important and unique the service RDAWA offers to the WA community is,” Mr Burt said.
“It costs a lot to maintain the welfare of all of the horses RDAWA has at their 19 centres, and the volunteers work tirelessly to ensure the experience is as beneficial as possible for every rider who attends.
“Community TAB has also just committed a third year of sponsorship to RDAWA, which will see another $80,000 contribution to the organisation.”
This contribution will support the Association through funding to meet the upkeep and welfare requirements of horses at RDAWA centres across WA.
RDAWA is a charitable organisation that combines the transformative power and the therapeutic effects of horse riding in the provision of equestrian activities which provides neuromuscular stimulation similar to that of a human thus promoting improved strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and confidence.
There are RDA centres all over the State including, Albany, Denmark, Collie, Carine, Hills, Pinjar, Peel, South West, Swan Valley, Mid-West, Mandurah and Oakford.