All abilities celebrated in the Murraylands
More than 160 people have attended the 2025 All Abilities Festival at Murray Bridge Swimming Centre.
It was all blue skies and warm weather for the fourth annual All Abilities Festival in the Murraylands.
Last Wednesday, February 26, more than 160 people of all abilities joined in on cricket, football, Connect Four, the water park, music and, most importantly, swimming races.
Community Living Australia hosted the day, with support workers and people living with disabilities coming from all around the state, some even as far as Mount Gambier.
No matter what organisation people were supported by, anyone was able to come along, catch up with friends and reconnect.
CLA chief executive Mark Kulinski said he loved that the day could cater for people with all different abilities.
"There's nothing like having the weight taken off your feet when you get in the water," he said.
"It's really hard for people to connect if you have a disability because you have to rely on the support around you.
"It's about celebrating their abilities ... no pressure, just looking at everyone smiling, having fun and relaxing."
The day was also about trying different things and joining the friendly but competitive races if they wished, he said.
At the All Abilities Festival are Rikki Fiege and Corey White; Caleb Carter; Sophie Pinkerton, Loughlan Murray and Ryan Vanderzon; CLA Team Leader Sue Aubert; CLA team member Rani Kulinski with attendee Charlie Heinicke; Winners of the walking competition with sponsor Thali from Anytime Fitness Murray Bridge; Amelia, Bec, Kaitlyn, Tara, Charlie, Stacey, Jacalyn, Joshua and Damien traveled from Mount Gambier to attend; Julie Scott and Ken Scott dancing to the DJ and Martin and David with their ribbons. Photos: Glenn Power
Races ranged from walking and swimming to a dance race and fastest waterslide time.
David, who has been coming to the event since 2023, said he was competing in the water slide challenge this year.
"(My favourite thing is) seeing everyone have a good time, competing, trying their best and having a go," he said.
David was able to catch up with friends that he had met at other events, such as bowling.
"It should be a perfect day ... as soon as I walked in, I thought 'yep, I'm jumping in'," he said.
There was also a sensory room for anyone who became overwhelmed, medals for race winners and a barbecue lunch.
Mr Kulinski thanked the swimming pool, Rural City of Murray Bridge and Anytime Fitness Murray Bridge for making the day possible.
