Sydney Catholic Schools Goalball Gala Day – a celebration of community and inclusion

The Sports Hall at Sydney Olympic Park was buzzing on Friday, 18 September 2026, as students gathered for the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Goalball Gala Day.

The highlight of the event was bringing together students of mixed abilities, including those supported under the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). Playing side-by-side using blackout eye shades and a bell-embedded ball, the game levelled the playing field for everyone—fostering genuine inclusion, brilliant teamwork and thrilling diving saves. Every participant showed outstanding enthusiasm and sportsmanship and all should be immensely proud of their efforts.

A huge thank you to Sydney Catholic Schools, teachers and volunteers who made the day such a resounding success. The Gala Day was a powerful celebration of community, inclusion and equal access to sports for every student.

Teachers that attended the Gala Day were Lucy Bragg, Lisa Pereira and myself.

Mrs Maria Xafellis, Diverse and Learning Support Teacher