When a host of footballers with intellectual disabilities from NSW and the ACT set off for the AFL National Inclusion Carnival in Tasmania last month, they weren’t expecting a Sydney Swans star to surprise them with his best wishes.
But young gun Callum Mills did exactly that on the final day of action, offering words of encouragement in a short video from the SCG boundary ahead of their last two games.
The annual carnival this year gave 16 junior males a chance to showcase their massive abilities against all other states and territories in a five-day tournament in Launceston.
The NSW/ACT Rams hadn’t won a game across the first four days but took on every one of Mills’ heartening words, going on to snatch victory in both games to finish the carnival on a high.
“Just wishing you all the best for your last day of competition,” Mills said in the video.
“All the boys at the Swans are right behind you. Go get ‘em.”
Sydney Swans Community Engagement Executive Alex Boutell represented the Club as a player assistance manager and said Mills’ message struck a chord.
“It definitely made a difference knowing the boys at the Club were right behind them,” Boutell said.
“It was surreal for them. The support they got to see first-hand with Callum Mills wishing the boys well was unreal – and especially with Callum being a NSW boy himself. They were definitely a bit surprised when they saw the video and it definitely sunk in then that the Sydney Swans were right behind them the whole way.”
The players competed in the carnival, participated in education sessions and delivered football clinics to local students at special schools.
A lap of honour before Hawthorn’s Round 14 clash with Gold Coast rounded out the carnival and the NSW and ACT boys were rapt with the reception.
While Mills’ words of support offered a big boost, Boutell said the carnival sent a vital message itself.
“The AFL and Sydney Swans getting behind the boys shows that everyone can play the game,” Boutell said.
“We want to show that no matter who you are, where you come from, regardless of whether you have a disability, that you can still be part of the great game that is Aussie rules.”
“The Swans are definitely looking to get more into the disability space and see what we can do for kids and just anyone in general with a disability and show them that they’re more than welcome at the footy.”
