Sunflower Sunday makes for family fun day

On Sunday 2 December 2018, around 800 people descended on Garvey Park in Ascot to enjoy a great range of free entertainment as part of Therapy Focus’ annual Sunflower Sunday community event.

The 2018 event was held to coincide with the International Day of People with Disability celebrations and was supported by local disability service providers, Identitywa, Intelife and TADWA. Other organisations offering inclusive programs for people with disability, such as Playgroup WA, Jungle Sports, Football West and Horse Power, also hosted accessible activities for attendees to enjoy.

Feedback from attendees was very positive, with many saying that the event provided a safe, judgement-free zone for both children and adults with disability to give new things a go.

“Thank you! I don’t take my son to ‘normal events’ because it’s just been too traumatic (for me more than him possibly). So to be able to go to a place without judgement where rules are flexible because disability, visible or not, is understood – it’s a priceless opportunity for an outing which is crucial for his development.” – Sunflower Sunday attendee

Therapy Focus Board Chair Fiona Payne said that Sunflower Sunday was a unique opportunity for both attendees and volunteers to contribute to community life.

“It’s a great opportunity for people to get out with their families, and for kids to interact with other children of all different ages and from all walks of life,” Fiona said.

“For teenagers like my daughter, it’s a fantastic opportunity to volunteer and be part of a very generous-spirited event.”

Therapy Focus wishes to thank event sponsors; Lotterywest, City of Belmont, Zenith Insurance and the Department of Communities, for making the event possible.

Thanks also go to event partners; Interchange, Identitywa, TADWA, Bricks 4 Kidz, Mark Tibbles International Golf Academy, Playgroup WA, Football West, Vuly Trampolines, Bindi Bindi Dreaming, Riding For The Disabled Association and Horsepower Brigadoon.

Most importantly, thank you to Therapy Focus staff and volunteers who helped out on the day.

To see more photos from the event visit the Therapy Focus Facebook page at facebook.com/therapyfocus.