Once a week on a Wednesday night around 30 RAID participants and 6 -10 volunteers from Radford College turn up to play basketball in the Radford College gym. There are two games played, beginners and intermediate, and participants are placed into the game that best suits their level of skill and pace.

The game is played with modified rules to include all players in a team. The Radford student volunteers participate in the games, passing the ball around, coaching, and partnering up with participants who need that little extra encouragement, pep talking and generally fostering a positive team spirit and ensuring each RAID player has equal participation.

The RAID participants are enthusiastic, noisy and competitive and for many it is the starting point of friendships that will have a significant impact on their lives. For some this is the only social contact they have outside of their home and this opportunity to socialise is vital to reducing their sense of social isolation.

The YMCA partnership with Radford first started in 2006 when students in Radford’s Team Support program started volunteering their time to assist with the inclusive basketball program. The presence of the TeamSupport students is invaluable as it infuses the program with meaningful camaraderie, friendship, fun and laughter.

“ [the students] have learnt a great deal about compassion, empathy, tolerance, leadership and meaningful service through their assistance with the two games”. Radford TeamSupport Coordinator

“Daz, Martin and all of the Radford boys are my best friends. Daz and I met at RAID 5 years ago and we became best friends. I go to his house for dinner sometimes and we go to Radford discos together. We talk on the phone and sometimes we only see each other at basketball. He’s like another brother to me”. Raid participant

The significance for RAID participants of having the opportunity to build friendships autonomously is difficult to articulate. The experience of being part of a team is something many of us take for granted. The YMCA RAID program gives people with a disability the chance to be accepted, to be valued and to be part of the team.

“I look out for my friends at RAID and they look out for me”. Raid participant