Dave “ Disco ” Gunstone ( far right ) and Y Streetball participants wearing their new t-shirts .
Of course , the NMCC team didn ’ t forget the founder of Y Streetball ,
Dave “ Disco ” Gunstone . Disco was surprised with his very own personalised polo which had “ DISCO ” printed on the back . This was a way to thank Disco for all his hard work running the program over the past four years .
Y Streetball has undoubtedly made a huge difference to the wider NMCC community
over the past four years . The program even expanded to run an ‘ All Abilities ’ session on Tuesday mornings . During this session , participants with varying disabilities can come and play a game of basketball . Now , Disco is expanding this program to Carlton Baths .
“ I ’ m so excited to be living my dream of expanding Y Streetball . I hope by doing this , people who have a disability feel supported and empowered . I ’ ve got a lot going on at the moment so I ’ ve got some new guys to help me out with this program . I ’ m still involved myself , but I hope these new guys will support me and make a difference in people ’ s lives .” – Dave “ Disco ” Gunstone , Y Streetball Founder
Dave “ Disco ” Gunstone ( far right ) and Y Streetball participants showing off the backs of their new t-shirts and polo .
I HOPE BY DOING THIS , PEOPLE WHO HAVE A DISABILITY FEEL SUPPORTED AND EMPOWERED .
With trial sessions running over the next few months , Disco hopes to make Y Streetball ‘ All Abilities ’ a regular program at Carlton Baths . To help Disco with this expansion , YMCA Open Doors funded audible basketballs , wheelchair balls and soft foam balls to ensure all participants have access to the best , most appropriate equipment .
We believe this program makes a world of difference in its participants ’ lives . Without YMCA Open Doors so many of Y Streetball ’ s participants would still be
on the streets and be on very different life paths to what they ’ re on today . To continue running this program and others like it in the future , we need your support .
Donate to YMCA Open Doors today and help us offer more programs and services to community groups who need it . To donate to Y Streetball specifically , please select ‘ North Melbourne Comm Centre ’ on the
donation form – as little as $ 45 can cover the court hire for a Y Streetball session .
YMCA HEALTHY LIVING MAGAZINE 13