The One Netball Marie Little Shield (ONMLS), the national netball championships for women with an intellectual disability, will return to Brisbane later this year, being played at the Queensland State Netball Centre from 12-14 October.
The three-day competition provides women with an intellectual disability the chance to compete and represent their state or territory at a national level.
For the first time, the ONMLS is being included as part of the INAS Global Games, the world’s largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual impairment, which is being held in Brisbane from 12-19 October.
Named in honour of disability pioneer Marie Little OAM and introduced in 2013, the Shield recognises Little’s dedication to improving the lives of people with an intellectual disability through the power of netball.
New South Wales will be out to defend their 2018 APMLS title which was their fourth consecutive win at the tournament. New South Wales played off against South Australia in the 2018 final and claimed a 13-10 win.
The event is an important feature on the annual Australia Post One Netball calendar, alongside other national diversity and inclusion programs.
Proudly sponsored by Netball Australia’s Community and Social Inclusion Partner Australia Post, Head of Community Nicky Tracey said they are excited to again support the Marie Little Shield and help build connections between people from different walks of life.
“Australian Post is proud to play a part in building more connected communities, where everyone feels they belong, are valued and respected. We believe an inclusive netball environment improves attitudes and behaviours towards people from diverse backgrounds, and importantly, builds empathy and understanding," she said.
“The Marie Little Shield is a wonderful opportunity to bring participants and their families together for what will be a truly memorable experience."
Netball Australia CEO, Marne Fechner said her team is delighted to support programs and events that ensure netball is accessible to the entire community.
“The One Netball Marie Little Shield always boasts such spirited competition, and the benefits of the tournament reach far beyond game day,” she said.
“The event has a real sense of community and enjoyment amongst the teams and their families and friends, and we love seeing the athletes showcase their skills and state pride on the national stage."
Keen netballer and CEO of the INAS Global Games Robyn Smith is delighted that the ONMLS will be played at the start of the Global Games in Brisbane.
“Netball is a quintessential Australian sport and this Shield showcases that true spirit of inclusiveness in sport that we value in this country,” she said.
“Netball was one of the first sports to establish national competitions for athletes with intellectual impairment and this is a great opportunity for netballers to share in the excitement of a hometown Global Games.”
Netball Queensland CEO, Catherine Clark said her team is looking forward to hosting the event for the second year running.
“The spirit of netball is captured in the One Netball Marie Little Shield – it is a celebration of inclusion, of community and our belief in providing pathways for everyone to achieve in netball,” she said.
“It reminds us what sport is all about and I encourage everyone to come along to and experience the magic for themselves.”
Netball Australia is committed to providing players with disabilities with opportunities to play netball.
Australia Post and Netball Australia have partnered to deliver the Australia Post One Netball Program (One Netball) since 2014. The program aims to engage Australia’s increasingly diverse communities with the sport of netball and the message that everyone, regardless of background or ability, is welcome.
To meet the One Netball Ambassadors and learn how your club or association can create a more inclusive environment for all, go to onenetball.org.au.
