Four teams from across the Football Integration Development Association (FIDA) gathered at Ballarat for a series of exhibition matches on Sunday, July 16.
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The Grampians Giants, Wimmera Whippets, Ballarat Bulldogs and Melbourne based team Sandown Cobras competed in the friendly series, with more than 70 players taking part throughout the day.
Teams from across Victoria compete in the FIDA, which allows an avenue for intellectually disabled men and women to play football.
The acceptance from the community has been terrific.
- Mick Davis
The Bulldogs, Giants and Whippets are three of five teams that compete in the Western conference of the association.
The Giants had a mixed day, winning one game and losing two.
They defeated the Whippets 3.4.22 0.1.1 in the first match, with Matt Glare kicking two majors and Shania Gorman finishing with one. Brad Green was best on ground.
The Giants went down to the strong Melbourne based Sandown team 17-0 and were kept scoreless in their final game against Ballarat, losing 29-0.
Grampians Giants assistant coach Mick Davis said the round robin was an excellent opportunity for the team.
“It had been a while since we had played a game, so everyone was excited to get out there and play again,” he said.
“Our players revel in whatever opportunities come their way.”
Davis said the team has developed significantly since its inception last year.
“Our numbers have strengthened and the players are really enjoying themselves,” he said.
“The acceptance from the community has been terrific.”
The Giants will next take on the South Warrnambool Hurricanes at Friendly Societies Park, Warrnambool on Sunday, July 22. The FIDA season will conclude with a mini finals series on Sunday, August 20 at North Park.
