RAID Basketball
Looking to join? Let us know!
Be active, stay connected
RAID (Recreational Activities for People with Intellectual Disability) basketball is a program for people with an intellectual disability.
It provides participants with an opportunity to be part of a sporting team and to enjoy not only the game itself but the friendship, pride and confidence that come from being part of a team. The YMCA RAID program has been running
since 1984 and some of our participants have been involved for over 20 of those years. Participants are welcome to attend for the duration of the evening to watch and support players in the other game.
Looking to get involved? If you are interested in participating, volunteering or sponsoring our RAID program please contact us at activey.canberra@ymca.org.au.
Our programs
RAID Northside
When: Wednesday 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Held at Radford College, Bruce
For: High School + Senior Participants
Cost: $120 p/term
RAID Southside
When: Friday’s 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Held at Marist College, Pearce
For: High School + Senior Participants
Cost: $120 p/term
About
RAID Basketball is a community-based, inclusive basketball program designed for people with intellectual disabilities. The program currently runs in two locations across Canberra:
· RAID Northside, at Radford College, established in 2006
· RAID Southside, at Marist College, launched in 2025
Each week, participants come together to play, connect, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment. Games are modified to ensure that every player, regardless of skill or ability, can participate meaningfully and confidently.
At the heart of RAID are the student volunteers from Radford and Marist College. These young leaders coach, encourage, and mentor participants on and off the court. Their presence brings energy, fun, and a deep sense of inclusion to every session. The relationships built through RAID foster confidence, teamwork, and mutual respect, and often extend far beyond the court.
RAID exists to combat the social isolation often experienced by people with intellectual disabilities, and to provide a consistent space for physical activity, skill development, and most importantly, connection. For some participants, RAID may be their only opportunity for social interaction each week. For others, it’s a place where they can simply be themselves, feel seen, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
The program also creates meaningful opportunities for youth volunteers to grow as empathetic leaders and advocates for inclusion. By working directly with participants, they gain real-world experience in building inclusive communities and learn the value of social responsibility.
With over 40 years of history and growing every year, RAID continues to be a model for how inclusive sport can change lives, not just for those who play, but for everyone involved.
Contact us
Safeguarding children and young people
At The Y Canberra Region safeguarding is embedded in our organisational culture. We are dedicated to providing safe, inclusive environments where children and young people are respected, protected and heard. Our commitment is demonstrated through the implementation of well-defined Safeguarding Children and Young People policies and procedures, ongoing staff training to identify and mitigate risks and a zero-tolerance approach to child abuse or neglect. We actively partner with families and children to ensure they feel empowered to raise concerns with confidence, and we fulfil all legal obligations to report and respond to any matters related to safety or welfare.