As a proud Australian, I am appalled by the inclusion of breaking in the Olympic Games while netball remains excluded. In addition, activities such as skateboarding and 3x3 basketball have also been afforded Olympic recognition. 

The World DanceSport Federation estimate 2 million people worldwide participate in breaking; World Netball estimates participation to be 20 million players across 117 countries. In the interviews with breakers featured in the coverage of the Olympics, they don't even describe breaking as a sport - it is an art, a creative activity, a performance. 

I acknowledge that netball is a women-dominated sport. That does not mean men do not play; male participation is increasing every year. Notably, rhythmic gymnastics is a female-only sport and has been a permanent inclusion in the Olympic program since 1996 (first introduced in 1984).

Every 4 years, netballers are openly ostracised by the notable exclusion of their sport from the Olympic games.  The excuses given for exclusion are no longer heard; if breaking, skateboarding and 3x3 basketball can be included, no reason for not including netball can be taken seriously.   

It's time for netball to be properly recognized, standing on equal footing with other Olympic sports. Surely Australia can stand up and give netball a fair go. The certain addition to the medal haul will be a bonus.

Please sign this petition to show your support to replace breaking with netball at the Brisbane Olympic Games.