The Sydney Swans are giving their full weight of support to a representative carnival for male athletes with intellectual disabilities taking place in Tasmania this week.

The annual AFL National Inclusion Carnival is giving 16 junior NSW/ACT footballers a chance to showcase their massive abilities against all other states and territories in Launceston.

Sydney Swans Community Engagement Executive Alex Boutell is offering a helping hand as a player assistance manager and says its importance is huge.

“The key message is everyone’s welcome to play Aussie rules,” Boutell said.

“The kids at the carnival have intellectual disabilities and the message is that everyone can play the game. It’s a game for everyone.

“We had plenty of support come down for the guernsey presentation on Monday to wish them all well and we let them run on the SCG as well. Having that presentation at the home of the Sydney Swans at the SCG just shows how keen we are to get behind the competition and see all the boys from NSW and the ACT who have intellectual disabilities do really well.”

The carnival got underway on Monday and will round out with a lap of honour at the Hawthorn-Gold Coast game at University of Tasmania Stadium on Saturday.