The NSW Waratahs are proud to announce that they will be joining forces with What Ability as an Official Community Partner in 2024.
What Ability is an NDIS-registered disability support service that specialises in 1:1 community access and camps. What Ability employs capable, fit, and friendly support workers across the country, some of whom are professional and semi-professional athletes.
What Ability's vision is to build an inclusive world. Through their use of athletes as support workers, they aspire to break down the stigma of disabilities and help more families.
What Ability Founder Steve Dresler saw the benefits first-hand of athletes as support workers having faced early retirement through injury. What Ability is the evolution of Steve’s innate desire to create a positive impact amongst his peers.
Jared Chapman, What Ability CEO, is thrilled about the new partnership:
"We couldn't be more excited to make our partnership with the Waratahs official. Both Angus and Leilani have been an integral part of our story and vision to build an inclusive world. It's partnerships like this that are helping us put happiness first for more families across the country."
The Waratahs have previously had an association with What Ability through players such as Angus Bell and Leilani Nathan and are thrilled to formalise a partnership with the entire organisation in 2024.
“I’ve fallen in love with the work that What Ability does and I’m excited that they’re now an Official Community Partner of the Waratahs,” said Bell, who first joined What Ability as a support worker back in 2021.
“Athletes can play a massive role in the sector and in turn, it’s provided a positive ripple effect throughout my life.
“The whole experience has been a massive eye-opener for me. I absolutely love spending time with the participants, and I’ve grown a lot by having the responsibility of supporting someone else.
“Through giving to someone else you can also make yourself really happy.
“I’d highly recommend being a support worker with What Ability to other athletes because we can provide a positive difference in raising awareness and helping those with disabilities integrate into the community.”
Leilani Nathan is similarly thrilled to be broadening the Waratahs' relationship with What Ability.
“What Ability is a wonderful organisation that makes a huge difference in the community, particularly the disability sector,” said the talented backrower.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time working with What Ability, making connections with some awesome people, and seeing the smiles on their faces.
“I know a lot of my teammates are looking forward to getting involved this year and I couldn’t recommend it enough.”
The Waratahs' partnership with What Ability will be officially launched in the Rugby for Good Round (Round 4) on March 16 at Allianz Stadium, where participants from What Ability will take the field forming a Guard of Honour for the men’s match against the Blues.
Alongside What Ability in the Guard of Honour will be, Platinum Partner of the NSW Waratahs Women and Official Charity Partner Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation, NSW Waratahs Charity Round Partner Bear Cottage, and the Positive Rugby Foundation.
Purchase your tickets for the Waratahs double-header here, where the women’s side will be going head-to-head against the ACT Brumbies, followed by the men’s clash with the Blues.
