THE Portland Netball Association’s All Abilities competition has been a roaring success, with the initiative recently named a finalist for South West Sport’s Community Sport Awards.

As its name suggests, the competition is designed for players of all abilities to get involved and try the game of netball in an inclusive environment.

The success of the program so far has been rewarded as a nominee for the All Abilities Participation Initiative of the Year in South West Sport’s annual Community Sport Awards.

Largely developed by netball coach Alicia Mesley and driven by other volunteers including Marg Donald, Grace Donald and Belinda Conheady, the program is kicking goals at Flinders Park on a Monday night.

“Alicia really instigated all of it and has really pushed it and she knew that inclusivity is a passion of mine so she asked if I wanted to help out and my daughter Grace and I jumped on it straight away,” Marg Donald said.

“They started off as come and try nights and then depending on numbers we’ll do some skills and then have a bit of a game.

“The skill level of the players has already grown so much in a short amount of time.”

Ensuring there are opportunities for everyone to participate in sport has been a key focus of the program which Donald said has been rewarding for everyone.

“There are a lot of varying abilities and it is for all abilities; some people partially struggle with mobility while others love to run – everyone can come and have a go,” she said.

“We have been absolutely loving it, it’s a highlight of the day every Monday.

“The players have a lot of fun and some of them have been going and practicing during the week.

“It’s not just about the netball though, there are other friendships forming and different interactions that make it such a great time.”

On Monday the Portland Gannets All Abilities team had a match against their supporters, with the Gannets finishing clear winners on the night, 12-1.

The team will also be heading to representative level with the newly formed interdistrict competition against Warrnambool and Hamilton including senior, junior and all abilities competitions.