By Rebecca Fraser
THE City of Casey hosted a Celebrate and Participate Event for the International Day of People with a Disability on Monday to highlight the leisure and sporting activities available to the city’s people with disabilities.
More than 100 attended the Casey ARC in Narre Warren for the event and about 12 organisations held information stalls.
The Lysterfield Sailing Club, Riding for the Disabled, Arts Access, Your Employment Solutions and the City of Casey were some of the stallholders highlighting the activities, support services and opportunities available.
Arts Access provides a visual and performing arts program for young people with disabilities, providing respite for family and voluntary carers and conducted craft sessions on the day.
The Livewire band provided entertainment along with fellow band Echo Brain Cool Dudes, comprising eight people from the Wallara Adult Training and Support Service.
In a nice twist the Wallara students saw Livewire performing at last year’s International Day of People with a Disability and this inspired them to form their own group.
Since meeting, George Sarkatzis, a welfare officer who runs Livewire, has been teaching the new group and helped it form.
Mr Sarkatzis runs music groups for the disabled through Livewire and said he was proud and happy with what the new band had achieved.
Echo Brain Cool Dudes performed original songs on Monday including blues, Spanish, and pop songs.
“Everyone really listened and enjoyed it and the crowd took part and responded well.
“Their music generated a really good response,” he said.
Mr Sarkatzis said Livewire held open stage nights weekly at which people could perform karaoke or perform with the many instruments provided.
He said anyone was welcome to attend the evenings, which are held at the John Pandazopoulos Hall in Power Road, Doveton.
Mr Sarkatzis said the next night would be held on Tuesday, 7 February from 6.30 to 9.30pm.
For further inquiries phone George on 9794 4900.
