DAYNE BEAMS was announced today as the Queensland Disability Inclusion Ambassador.

The Lions midfielder will work with AFL Queensland to promote awareness of the opportunities to play Australian football that are available to people with a disability.

Beams said he was honoured by the appointment and the opportunities that it will provide for men, women and children with disabilities to participate in football.

“My fiancé’s brother has Down Syndrome, so the last four years I’ve had a lot to do with him. It’s opened my eyes up to a lot of different things, he’s been great for me and my development as a person and I’m looking forward to working with these next kids and getting them involved in sport in some way.

“I think it’s very important that these guys feel a part of team sport and they can make friends through that,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for me and one that I’m looking forward to.”

The Australian Bureau of Statistics cites 20% of Australians as having some form of disability.

Accordingly, the AFL is dedicated to making it easy for people with disabilities to participate in Australian football including playing, coaching, officiating and administering the game.

AFL Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Michael Conlan, said the Beams appointment would assist in educating the community and encouraging participation.

“Australian football is a game for everyone and we are committed to ensuring that opportunities to play the game are accessible to all,” said Conlan.

“Dayne is one of the most recognisable faces in the AFL and his support will go a long way to promoting our disability inclusion initiatives.”

Beams’ first official engagement will be at the Queensland State Inclusion Trials on Monday June 14 where he will provide encouragement to participants trying out for the Queensland state inclusion squad.

AFL Queensland is currently gearing up for the National Inclusion Carnival to be held in Melbourne from August 4 to 10, which will see representative teams from all states and territories compete.

A number of other disability inclusion programs will be launched across Queensland in 2015 including a NAB AFL Auskick clinic for Autistic boys and girls at Aspley AFC and all-ages disability clinics in regional areas.

For more information around AFL Queensland disability Inclusion programs: www.aflq.com.au