New all-abilities programs offered through Sporting Schools
Special Olympics Australia has partnered with National Sporting Organisations (NSOs) to extend in-school delivery of inclusive sport and physical activity programs funded through the Australian Government’s Sporting Schools initiative.
Special Olympics Australia collaborated with NSOs to adapt their mainstream programs available through Sporting Schools into ‘Sport Partner’ versions designed for delivery in special education settings.
Pierre Comis, Special Olympics Australia’s Head of Schools and Participation, said: “Children with intellectual disability experience additional challenges developing the skills and behaviours to be physically active and are frequently more sedentary than those without disabilities.”
“Partnering with NSOs to adapt the programs they provide through Sporting Schools is vital to building the capacity of the sector and getting more children involved in inclusive sport.”
The Sport Partner programs increase the skills of teachers, coaches, and volunteers to provide a variety of fun, engaging programs which are suitable for children of all ability levels.
They are designed to support the development of children’s physical literacy – the skills, knowledge, and behaviours that give them the confidence and motivation to lead active and healthy lives.
Programs are delivered by specially trained coaches, with additional support and resources provided by Special Olympics Australia to increase their confidence to teach children with disabilities.
Special Olympics Australia already offers inclusive sport programs in schools called ‘Playing for All’. Comis said the new Sport Partner programs offer children a progression from Playing for All programs into more sport-specific games and activities.
“We’ve developed a clear program pathway for students with intellectual disability and autism that fosters the continued development of their physical literacy, setting them on the path to a healthier and more active life.”
Sport Partner programs in up to seven sports will be available from the second school term this year.
Visit the Special Olympics Australia Sporting Schools page for more information on the program options and booking process.
