In a bid to provide students with special needs the opportunity to participate in activities to facilitate their differences and disabilities Bletchley Park Primary School held an interschool sporting carnival yesterday (June 28)
The event was the first of its kind, which was organised for a mainstream government school.
Students competed in a number of events including a pool noodle toss, a three-legged race, vortex football throw, soccer and goal kicking and tug-of-war.
Bletchley Park Primary School physical education teacher Clint Mcnerney organised the carnival and said he had a passion for students with special needs.
“Being a PE teacher I see when interschool carnivals are in place and often the selection process is based on ability therefore leaving students with special needs behind,” he said.
“The carnival is designed to bridge the gap.”
Mr Mcnerney said the biggest challenge he faced was the misconception from some parents who did not want to their children to be seen with having a disability.
“This carnival celebrates students’ differences,” he said.
“It also acknowledges a fair and competitive component as well.”
One Bletchley Park Primary student in particular said he felt inclused and the carnival gave him confidence to strive to do his best in sport.
Federal Member for Burt Matt Keogh attended the carnival and presented the students with awards.
Paralympic basketball player Adam Deans spoke to the students about his story as an athlete and paraplegic.
