The SSAA is backing an ACT initiative that will get children of all abilities outside, having fun and being active. The National Children’s Playground Project, called Boundless Canberra, is an initiative to build an all-abilities playground in the nation’s capital, with the help of the community at large.
The proposed plans for the playground include rainforest, forest, outback, oceanic and Aboriginal themed terrains featuring traditional play equipment such as swings, nets, climbing walls and sandpits, as well as interpretive equipment such as musical chimes and water jets with visual, tactical and even fragrant effects for children of all ages and abilities. General amenities will include shaded, picnic and open play areas, barbecue facilities, a café, an amphitheatre and musical nooks, bike racks, toilets and a bus stop shelter.
The SSAA has long encouraged target shooting as an all-inclusive sport, and to this end is supporting Boundless Canberra’s philosophy of inclusiveness with a $1000 donation. And just as with target shooting, all children using the Boundless playground will be able to enjoy the same experience, playing and participating on an even playing field.
SSAA Media Officer Rachael Andrews said the decision to support Boundless Canberra and give children an outlet that would allow them to have fun and benefit from being active and healthy, was simple.
“The SSAA wholeheartedly supports Boundless Canberra in its initiative to provide a recreational experience for children of all abilities,” Rachael said. “This is a mindset that is consistent with the Association’s philosophy of giving everyone a fair go.
“Communities thrive when there are opportunities for men, women, young and old of all skill levels and abilities to participate in building strong relationships and challenging themselves. Target shooting is a sport that attracts children and adults with disabilities to compete and even go on to participate in the sport at higher levels.”
Boundless board member Natalie Howson said that by providing a place for children to physically express themselves, the organisation hoped to inspire more active participation in other sports.
“The project is based on the idea of inclusion – that no child should be denied the basic right to play and have fun on the same equipment as their brothers, sisters and friends,” she said.
As a part of its sponsorship of Boundless Canberra, the SSAA will receive ongoing acknowledgement for its contribution at the playground, which will be opened later this year.
“The construction of this playground would not be possible without the support of donors such as the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia,” Natalie said. “I want to thank everyone who has gotten behind this project.
“We have been exceptionally lucky to have the local construction industry provide in-kind donations and many local individuals and groups give generously.
“We still need to raise funds to complete the playground. Anyone who contributes to Boundless is helping us create a legacy that will be enjoyed by generations of children.”