Anna Santos loves being active.
And Bradford’s recent elementary school sports festival presented by teachers and Special Olympics Ontario provided the perfect opportunity.
“I loved it because I always play soccer at school,” said the Grade 5 Sir William Osler Elementary School student.
Five of Bradford's eight public schools participated, with a total of 40 exceptional students of varied abilities. The students, who are integrated into classrooms or participate in community classes, developmental classes and autism rooms, tried bocce ball, soccer, dancing and bowling.
Stephanie Vanderkooy, special education resource teacher at Fieldcrest Elementary School in Bradford, enjoyed seeing the interaction and the bonding of students and their families during an event she had earlier been part of.
“I just thought it was so special to see some of our exceptional students who don’t always have the same accessibility and opportunities to participate in these kind of collective events, have that opportunity in a safe, welcome and inclusive environment,” said Vanderkooy.
So she connected with Special Olympics Ontario, which offers different special interactive games that schools can put together. The idea was initially school related, but branched out to include Grade 1 to Grade 8 students from the town’s other elementary schools.
By having families on hand and involved, Vanderkooy hoped the event would help fill a gap in the community allowing for some networking in a celebratory setting. She sees it as an opportunity for families to meet each other.
“Navigating this world and navigating support and services in the community is very tricky and very overwhelming and I think it could be really lovely to see families come together knowing that they’re not alone in this journey,” said Vanderkooy.
Sheryl Cea-Dubon was particularly delighted to see her son Jesuan Junior — or J.J. — kick the soccer ball into a net and toss a bocce ball into a tire. While his older brother is quite active, she finds that the options for eight-year-old J.J. have been limited.
“He’s very active. He likes movement, he likes running, he likes to play,” she says watching him from the sidelines. “I’m so glad they initiated this sport festival for them. It gives me joy that my son is doing this.”
Saahil Siddique was on hand to support his seven-year-old brother, Danish Ul-haq, who is in Grade 2.
“I can see him enjoy,” said Siddique, who is studying behavioural therapy. “It is very intriguing just seeing my brother and seeing how he’s growing, obviously different from how other little kids are growing up.”
The sports day, he added, was a great opportunity for his brother to be active and engaged in a celebration of sports.
The students were able to rotate through in bocce ball, soccer, dance and a bowling station. Some of them were doubled up to ensure safety and accessibility. Students in wheelchairs, for instance, were able to participate in the parking lot instead of having to go onto the field.
The goal of the sports festivals is to give elementary school students a chance to try some of the sports offered in the organization’s community programs, explained Special Olympics Ontario program developer Ryan Colpitts.
“What this sports festival does is help kids figure out if they like sports, what sports they might want to play in the future,” he said.
Special Olympics Ontario also offers Active Start for children aged two to six that provide the basics. Fundamentals is geared for the next age group that focuses on more specific activities, like kicking a ball into a net. The older children, aged 10 to 13, will learn the rules and fundamentals of sports.
The festival "really allows the student to start their athletic career” allowing them the opportunity to then participate in the organization’s high school championship program, Colpitts said.
There was also a station allowing friends and families to sign T-shirts commemorating the day, thanks to a donation from Addictive Designs.
“The whole purpose behind all of it is celebration of participation, and being outdoors and enjoying that activity,” said Vanderkooy, who is looking forward to growing the event next year.
