There is something very special about finding a sport that brings people together, regardless of age, ability or whether they can see the ball.

That is exactly what is happening with SWISH, a modified form of table tennis originally designed for people who are blind or vision impaired. In August 2026, SWISH made its way to Highton, giving the local community an opportunity to discover a sport that much more about friendship, teamwork and inclusion than it is about competition.

A Great Start in Highton

The first SWISH session at 1st Highton Scout Hall was a great success.

People came along ready to have a go, including some who had never played SWISH before. It didn’t take long before everyone was getting involved, having fun and enjoying the challenge of the game.

Perhaps one of the best things about the day was seeing new friendships and connections being made.

There was plenty of enthusiasm, with some participants already saying they couldn’t wait until the next game.

And there will be plenty of opportunities to play, with SWISH planned as an ongoing weekly activity in Highton.

So, What Exactly Is SWISH?

SWISH is a modified form of table tennis that uses sound, touch, teamwork and concentration rather than relying on sight.

The game was originally developed for people who are blind or vision impaired, but over the years it has evolved into a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone.

That is what makes SWISH so special.

People with different abilities can play together, making it a genuinely inclusive sport where everyone can participate.

The game is also surprisingly easy to accommodate. The specially designed table folds in half when it isn’t being used, meaning it doesn’t require a large amount of storage space.

There are already SWISH tables at several venues around Melbourne, including Scout Halls in Brunswick, Coburg and Frankston, as well as Vision Australia in Kooyong.

Bringing SWISH to the Geelong Community

The Highton (Geelong) initiative is being supported by TRI All Abilities Sports Club Inc., in collaboration with TRI Support Services.

TRI All Abilities Sports Club was created with an important goal: to remove barriers to sport and provide safe, welcoming and accessible opportunities for people with disability.

Sport can offer so much more than physical exercise. It can provide opportunities to meet people, build confidence, develop friendships and feel connected to the wider community.

SWISH is a wonderful example of that philosophy in action.

Following the success of an earlier SWISH Come & Try session at Keilor Basketball Stadium, there was considerable excitement about bringing the sport to Geelong.

There has even been interest from Peter Greco at Vision Australia radio station in covering the SWISH story, highlighting the growing interest in inclusive sport within the community.

Finding the Right Place to Play

One of the most important parts of establishing SWISH is finding venues that are accessible and welcoming.

For many participants, being able to reach a venue by public transport is important. Others may attend with a support worker or family member.

SWISH sessions in Melbourne are generally held during the daytime on weekdays and weekends. Night-time games are avoided where possible, making it easier for blind and vision-impaired adults to participate.

And, of course, nights are also reserved for going out for dinner!

More Than Just a Game

At first glance, SWISH might look like an easy game.

But spend some time watching people play and you quickly realise that it’s a fast-paced game that requires an enormous amount of concentration.

It’s also about listening carefully, communicating with your partner and working together. It is about having a laugh when things don’t quite go to plan and celebrating when you get it right.

And it is about meeting people.

For someone who may have limited opportunities to participate in mainstream sport, a regular weekly SWISH session can provide something incredibly valuable: something to look forward to.

The first session in Highton has already shown what is possible.

People came along to play a game, but they left having made new contacts, enjoyed themselves and, in some cases, made new friends.

That is a pretty good result for the first game.

Looking Ahead

The hope is that SWISH will continue to grow in Highton and eventually become one of many inclusive sporting opportunities available throughout Geelong, Victoria and perhaps Australia.

It all starts with a table, a group of people willing to have a go, and a community prepared to open its doors.

Sometimes, creating inclusion doesn’t require something complicated.

Sometimes, it simply requires a place to play, someone to say, ‘come and have a go’, and a community willing to welcome everyone.

And judging by the enthusiasm at the first Highton session, SWISH has certainly found a warm welcome.

Thanks so much to John Leone (President, TRI ALL ABILITIES SPORTS CLUB INC.) for your vision and your hard work making your dreams come true. Also, thanks to Gaurav Hairiya, Director, TRI SUPPORT SERVICES and Chirag … from TRI SUPPORT SERVICES for his amazing photography.