1 May 2025
By James Mullan
St Leonards-based disability services provider Danny Met Sally has struck a two-year partnership with the North Sydney Bears aimed at increasing visibility and participation for people with disabilities in local sport.
Although the deal includes Danny Met Sally branding on the Bears’ jerseys, co-founder Rick Dalton told the Sun that the arrangement is not a conventional sponsorship and would instead focus on inclusion and opportunity.
“We are here to enhance game days, not to shove our sponsorship message down people’s throats,” he said. “We are here to create an environment for people to build awareness around people living with a disability.”
Dalton said the company will support activities that embed individuals with disabilities in the game day experience, including roles as ball kids, equipment handlers and coin toss participants. “This collaboration will bring unforgettable moments to our clients, participants and Bears supporters alike, and we look forward to enhancing the game-day experience for the entire North Sydney Bears community.”
The partnership is already extending beyond event days. Two Bears players have become support workers with Danny Met Sally, something Dalton said was emblematic of the shared values underpinning the arrangement. “If we can have our players working in the disability sector, really getting some good value-based work to also give them support while they’re in their careers… that’s what this is all about.”
Founded in Sydney five years ago, Danny Met Sally has since expanded to Melbourne, Canberra, Adelaide and the Gold Coast. Its name stems from the personal stories of its founders: Dalton’s brother Danny, who had Down syndrome, and Ashleigh Dalton’s first disability support client Sally. “The care that my brother was given is what the NDIS was created for, but it’s not being delivered in the sector,” said Dalton.
North Sydney Bears CEO Gareth Holmes said the organisation saw a natural alignment with Danny Met Sally. “Their work within the disability sector aligns perfectly with our club’s values of inclusivity and community,” he said. “Together, we aim to make rugby league more accessible and create a welcoming environment for people of all abilities to be part of the Bears family.”
The first joint event under the partnership will take place this Sunday, May 4, at the Bears’ home game at North Sydney Oval.