AFL coaching legend Kevin Sheedy will join Minister Greg Hunt on his 500km Walk for Autism later this year.
From the 29th October to the 16th November 2018, Minister Hunt will visit schools and local towns to increase awareness and understanding for Australians with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The former Essendon and Greater Western Sydney coach will lace up to help Minister Hunt raise awareness for children with ASD, as well as raise vital funds for local Flinders Autism educational assistance groups, Abacus Learning Centre and the Light up Autism Foundation.
Mr Sheedy emphasised the importance of providing children with ASD with an appropriate environment that assists in their learning.
“Special people in life need special care and must always be given the opportunity to have happiness and wellbeing throughout the whole of their life,” Mr Sheedy said.
Minister Hunt echoed Mr Sheedy’s comments, saying that the funds raised will help improve the educational and social outcomes of children with ASD.
“Kevin has been a champion on and off the footy field for many years and as a Richmond fan, I’m proud to have one of my team’s favourite sons walking with me for such an important cause,” Minister Hunt said.
According to the 2015 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, approximately 1 in 150 people in Australia have some form of ASD and Minister Hunt says it is important to realise that each case is unique.
“Autism can range from can mild to severe, and include difficulty in social interaction, restricted or repetitive patterns of behaviour and impaired communication skills.
“Early schooling is when many of these traits are realised for the first time and proper education and early intervention is vital to improving educational outcomes for these children.
“Both Abacus and Light up Autism do tremendous work in this field and that is why I will also be raising funds to support their invaluable work for children with Autism and their families.”
To join Greg’s 500km Walk for Autism, please phone (03) 5977 9082. If you would like to donate, please visit www.givenow.com.au/GHWALK