Champion Inclusive Club - Melbourne Vicentre

Swimming Victoria
Published: Jul 24, 2012 03:08:51 PM Updated: Aug 27, 2012 09:22:49 AM

Melbourne Vicentre (MVC) has demonstrated exceptional leadership and initiative in providing an inclusive environment for the sport of swimming. 

MVC is committed to ensuring programs, services and activities are available to all individuals.  Current Swimmer with Disability (SWD) athletes, Ahmed Kelly and Andres Amezquita, participate within the development pathway with non SWD athletes, supporting the equality of all MVC members.  As a Paralympics athlete, Ahmed has developed as a role model, giving his time to provide motivational support by speaking to MVC Australian Age Championship qualifiers. In a recent survey of 45 MVC members Ahmed was named as their inspiration in the sport of swimming. 

The MVC Inclusion Policy covers all aspects of Club operations and is available to all members via the MVC website. Coaches participate in the Coaching Swimmers with Disability Extension Course, administrative staff complete Play by The Rules, Safe and Fair- online course and Staff and Committee members complete Swimming Australia’s online Member Welfare training.

A number of strategies support the MVC Inclusion Policy and help ensure the Development Pathway is assessed at regular intervals:

• MVC includes an Athlete representative on the Committee of Management;
• MVC swim meets are organised so they are accessible to athletes with disabilities, including SWD only events and the capacity to compete in all other events on the program;
• If additional athlete needs are identified, MVC provides appropriate resources to ensure the Club can continue to meet the needs of its athletes;
• MVC plans for the ongoing assessment of its Development Pathway to ensure it continues to address the needs of all athletes;
• MVC records any information relevant to ensuring each athlete can participate safely.