Gymnastics SA promotes movement for children living with disabilities
Laughter and joy filled the air at Esperanza Special Needs School during a unique and exciting gymnastics workshop on March 13.
Organised by the Gymnastics Union, under Gymnastics SA and supported by the Newcastle Gymnastics Club, students spent the first half of their day running, leaping, skipping rope and tossing balls – all with the aim of using fun games to encourage physical movement among learners with disabilities.
Trainers for the day, who at times resembled comical drill sergeants, Wellington Xolani Magaza, from the Gymnastics Union, and Lizelle Greyling rallied around the children, teaching, motivating and pushing students to step out of the box and physically challenging themselves.
“Sometimes parents of special needs children discourage them from participating in sports out of concern that they may be injured. However, these parents need to realise that physical activity is crucial for special needs children’s development on both a mental and physical level, “commented Magaza.
Starting at Goslings Academy on March 12 and continuing to Esperanza the following day, the duo completed the two-day Newcastle session before moving on to other schools in the district.
“Gymnastics SA is starting a unique programme to promote gymnastics in every school. Typically, only mainstream schools participate in these initiatives, but it is beneficial to include all schools, especially those that serve students with a range of disabilities,” Magaza said.
The idea, a brainchild of Gymnastic SA, aims to advocate for physical movement in especially children with special needs.
The federation will also conduct workshops for educators in special needs schools where doctors and physiotherapists will instruct them on how to physically train children with special attention to their individual conditions.
“Our hope is for their programme to grow and to educate all schools around the country to participate in gymnastics. All schools must be exposed as we have tailor-made programmes for them,” said Magaza.
In celebration of the completion of the programme, all learners received medals and gifts of appreciation and a huge round of applause for their hard work.
See photos below:
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