To celebrate International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) earlier this month, the MCC was pleased to welcome a group of Victorian athletes from Special Olympics Australia to the MCG to explore the stadium’s new and improved Sensory Friendly Space, presented by the MCC Foundation.
Held annually on December 3, International Day of People with Disability is an important opportunity to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.A group of athletes and their supporters explored the three unique sensory friendly rooms which, designed in consultation with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect), are for visitors of all ages who have sensory sensitivities, processing differences or other hidden disabilities.
Initially opening in a trial capacity in February 2022 the Sensory Friendly Space received overwhelmingly positive feedback and in June 2022, the MCC Foundation came on board to provide additional support in order to expand the offering.
Open on all MCG event days – from AFL games and the T20 World Cup through to the recent Guns N’ Roses and Billy Joel concerts – the Sensory Friendly Space welcomed more than 1100 visitors across the year. The space serves as a ‘gateway to game day’, providing visitors with a quiet, safe and supported place to retreat and recharge away from the stress and stimulation of a bustling MCG.
Having come straight from a busy and noisy IDPwD event in the city, the athletes particularly enjoyed exploring the newest room in the Sensory Friendly Space. With soundproofing, low light and a soothing bubble tank installation, the room acts as a retreat within a retreat and is ideal for anyone needing a truly quiet moment away.
Special Olympics Australia CEO, Pierre Comis, joined the athletes for their MCG visit and was greatly impressed by the offering.
“I was delighted to visit the sensory friendly space at the MCG set up by our good friends at the MCC Foundation,” he said.
“It’s a quiet and safe spot for them to retreat, while allowing them to still enjoy a game day. What a wonderful and inclusive initiative that will benefit many, including athletes of Special Olympics Australia.”
Chair of the Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation, Sally Macindoe, said the MCC Foundation was pleased to support an initiative which would allow more people to access and experience sport.
“Sport has an immense ability to bring people together, creating communities and breaking down barriers, not just when you play it but also when you watch it with others,” she said.
“We hope that through the Sensory Friendly Space, presented by the MCC Foundation, more people will be able to attend the football or cricket at the ‘G with confidence.”
Laura, a Carlton fan, sought out the space during the AFL season when her young daughter needed a break, and was grateful for the experience.
“We loved visiting the sensory friendly space. As we entered the noise of the crowd disappeared and we found ourselves in complete silence, I watched my daughter unclench and relax,” she said.
“We talk about sensory overload in terms of our ‘bucket’ overflowing and the sensory room let us empty our bucket so we could go back out amongst the crowd and enjoy the rest of the game.”
The Sensory Friendly Space, presented by the MCC Foundation will be open for events at the MCG throughout 2023. More information about the space, including opening times and available facilities, can be viewed here.