The 2019 AFL National Inclusion Carnival is heading into GIANTS heartland.

The annual carnival, which brings together male footballers with an intellectual disability from across the country, will run as a week-long round-robin competition in July, with representative teams from NSW/ACT, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria Country, Victoria Metro and Western Australia.

Participants will also attend and experience the GIANTS versus Collingwood game on July 20 at Sydney Showground Stadium.

GIANTS Jeremy Cameron and Nick Haynes were on hand at Henson Park in Marrickville on Tuesday to launch the AFL National Inclusion Carnival launch, along with a number of young footballers.

“It’s important because it shows anybody can have a go at AFL football, no matter who you are or where you come from,” Cameron said.

“You can get out there and give it a crack. These young kids here today are role models for other guys who want to have a crack as well.”

People with a physical or intellectual disability taking part in various football programs across Australia has seen participation grow to 4,589 in 2018 and is a growing part of the game.

AFL General Manager Game Development, Andrew Dillon, said the AFL National Inclusion Carnival would once again be a highlight on the football calendar. 

“The AFL supports and promotes inclusion of our game at all levels and we’re excited to see more people participate in Australian Football through our Inclusion programs across the country,” Mr Dillon said.
 
“The AFL National Inclusion Carnival promises to provide another fantastic week of competition, with all states and territories vying to secure the national title.

“The carnival not only provides an opportunity to showcase the significant abilities of footballers with an intellectual disability to the broader community, but also shows young Australians with an intellectual disability that there is a pathway for them to participate in Australian Football and have the opportunity to represent their state or territory.”   

AFL NSW/ACT Chief Executive Officer Sam Graham said NSW is excited to host the Carnival for the first time.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to host the 2019 AFL National Inclusion Carnival at Blacktown International Sportspark, in the heart of Western Sydney. I’d like to thank the New South Wales Government, in particular Minister for Disability Services and Multiculturalism Ray Williams along with Blacktown City Council for their partnership and support,” Mr Graham said.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming participants and their families from across Australia to this fantastic carnival and I can’t wait to see our NSW/ACT Rams boys take the field.”

The AFL National Inclusion Carnival will kick off on Monday, July 15 and run until Saturday, July 20.