Applied Learning

Balloon Football - First Impressions

Balloon Football was entertaining. I was nervous at first but when Catriona and I got to goal umpire the game, it was better. I had fun rooting for our team to win, however, the man in the Richmond jersey on the other team was very good and highly competitive. When we first arrived there, I didn’t feel comfortable because I’d never openly been around people with disabilities, but as the morning continued, I felt more content with the people because I began to interact with them.

Everyone at Springers was friendly and the players were determined to win and tried their best. It was interesting to spectate people with different personalities, for example, I saw someone who was happy no matter the score and shook hands with other players after the game. Whilst, there was another person that seemed more introverted, but they were high spirited and was a very good player. I enjoyed how the individual participants could express themselves in different ways during the match.

Today all the Year 11 and 12 VM students went to Balloon Football. 

It was my first time seeing a balloon football game and I was very nervous because I didn’t know what to expect. We met the players, and they were all very nice. Ms Mackay told us the rules of the game and the Year 12 VM Students got to be captains. Ava and Bella were captains and chose me to help in their team. 

Ms Hatzis taught me how to push a player in a wheelchair and that we can’t go past the yellow line. Ms Hatzis and I had the pleasure of pushing Emine in the game. It made me feel amazing to help the player, but I don’t think we were excellent, because we didn’t want to hurt the person in the wheelchair. During the game Emine had to leave, and the captains asked if I could sit in a wheelchair and be a player because the teams needed to be fair with the same number of players. I was happy to be a part of the red team and Ms Hatzis pushed me for the second half, and I kicked a few goals! Louis pushed me for a while, and I scored even more goals! 

Overall, it was a fantastic day, and I look forward to going back next week. 

Ian 

Charlie : I enjoyed the experience but at first before we had started I was pretty nervous and uncomfortable but as me and the player I assisted, Dave, started to play I found it pretty fun and would gladly do it again because it was entertaining.

At the start of the experience of Balloon Football, I was feeling a bit uncomfortable since it was a new situation to me. But, once the teams were made and we started playing I became more relaxed. However, I feared speed walking in case I’d hurt the person I was pushing by colliding with another wheelchair. The person I had to push had to have her medication at half time, so then we were down a player but don’t fear because Ian from our class joined the game! Ian and myself put on the gas and were scoring a few goals. Sadly, our team lost but we all had fun playing together.

When I walked in to this inclusive sport, I was not sure what to expect from it all, I was feeling a lot of emotions. I was not sure what to say to the unfamiliar people in the stadium. While we are getting into teams I was picked to help Harrison and Dom in Year 12 with their team. Once I asked questions Harrison told me everything I needed to know to play the game. He gave me a job when the ball goes out of bounds and then I will have to get the ball and throw it back in like AFL rules. But at the end of the day it was fun and enjoyable as well.

I think Balloon Footy was good, a little confronting but it was fun to see everyone involved having a good time. The players were all very nice, Dave was funny and Craig liked to drive his wheelchair around. The other team’s full forward was really good and kicked a lot of goals but once we switched ends we got a few goals too.

Balloon Football

It was very confronting at the start, and I was very nervous as I have never done anything like this before. As the day went on Belinda and I goal umpired so we felt more comfortable, and it was very entertaining to watch. The other team was very competitive. Our team will learn and work together to get better, but all that matters is that players have fun.

Today at the Balloon Football match, I sat and took notes while watching the game, but the entire experience left a deep impression on me. Year 11 and 12 student assisted in pushing wheelchairs, helping individuals with disabilities participate more fully in the competition. This made me develop a deeper understanding of teamwork and social care. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, encouragement, and a heartwarming sense of mutual support. This match was not just a game - it was a reflection of human connection and respect. Being able to witness and be part of this experience gave me valuable insights and allowed me to truly appreciate the power of inclusion and support.