Guest Post
By Nicholas Glowrey

With the Olympics recently being held, I’ve taken this as an opportunity to shine light on the idea that anyone can take part in some sort of sport or exercise.
One of the great things about sport is that you don’t have to be a Patrick Dangerfield (Aussie Rules Footballer) or a Madi Robinson (Netballer) – you can also enjoy it at ‘Grassroots’ level (local sporting club).

There are many things that people can gain from playing sport;
• Developing a great sense of Sportsmanship
• Opportunity to socialise with other people
• Keeping Active
• You don’t have to be great at sport to enjoy it

I’ll highlight on the second point here – the opportunity to socialise with other people. Sport can be a really great step in building confidence in interacting with other people because as well as socialising on the field or during the game, most of the leagues, gyms, sporting clubs and sporting organisations hold additional social events.

There are also opportunities to learn other skills such as;
• Handling money (by serving in the canteen or bar)
• Helping out in Fundraising Events such as Club Balls and Social Days

There are great benefits from participating in sport and exercise, and the best thing is that there are plenty of different sports you can take on, depending on your interests.

If I can shine light on one of my more happier moments of playing sport. It was when I played a game of football in 2012 and I kicked four goals in a game. I honestly felt on cloud nine and it was great when my mates were getting around me to help celebrate. One of my team mates even joked with me later on in the day about how I allegedy said “kicked four Sausage Rolls today boys” (A term for kicking goals in Aussie Rules.)

Sport can help teach you to celebrate your achievements no matter how big or small they are. Even if it’s that you’ve hit your first boundary in cricket, but then you get bowled out next ball.
Even things like going to a Yoga class can be of benefit as it is one exercise that teaches mindfulness and focusing on the moment.

I also encourage Sporting Clubs to get behind people of all abilities. It could be with your help that they go on to great things in life.
Encourage them.
Believe in them.

Nick