Table Tennis Australia (TTA) is proud to announce the newest component of its Sporting Schools program for 2022 with the Inclusive Spinneroos in Schools set to be delivered in special education environments.
Designed in partnership with Special Olympics Australia, Inclusive Spinneroos in Schools has been adapted from TTA’s successful Spinneroos program which began in early 2020, and will cater to students with intellectual impairments and autism.
Special Olympics Australia National Schools Manager Leisl Stimpson says the partnership with TTA will greatly benefit schools, students, and coaches.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the students participating, learning, and having fun! We are excited that Table Tennis Australia is enthusiastic and committed to delivering inclusive programs to all schools and we look forward to supporting their coaches through this program,” Stimpson said.
TTA’s partnership with Special Olympics aims to encourage people with intellectual impairments to maximise their opportunities to play sport while making friends and experiencing the joy and pride that come from competing and achieving their personal best.
The addition of the Inclusive Spinneroos in Schools program will continue to make table tennis a sport people of all ages, and all abilities can enjoy.
“We are thrilled to take our current partnership with Special Olympics Australia to the next level,” TTA National Participation & Development Coordinator Anshul Thakran said.
“By leveraging on Special Olympics Australia’s expertise in delivering high-quality sports programs for people with an intellectual disability or autism, the new Inclusive Spinneroos in Schools program has been designed to not only cater for schools and students but also build the skills and confidence of our coaches.”
The program will also give the opportunity to new and current coaches to continue developing their skills as they deliver inclusive programs.
Coaches will be trained and provided with additional resources including communication cards, educational video series, a visual story, and planning schedules, to adapt activities to suit the needs of the participating students.
“We’re looking forward to another exciting school year as we work towards table tennis reaching its maximum potential,” Thakran added.
To have this program available at your child’s school, apply for a Sporting Schools grant through Sport Australia.
Reprint of article originally published by Table Tennis Australia.
