Gippsport Streetgames, in partnership with Special Olympics Australia, provided the Young Athletes and Playing for All programs to the young people in Gippsland. Streetgames embraced the opportunity to provide inclusive sport directly to the community, with the aim to enrich the lives of young people in Gippsland.
During term 2, Streetgames engaged 34 participants across 4 community locations: Traralgon, Churchill, Morwell and Warragul. The program focused on the acquisition of fundamental movement skills (FMS) and physical literacy.
The program set out to bring together participants of varying social and economic backgrounds through a shared interest in sport, offering a sense of inclusion and belonging. Participants learned to cheer on their peers, ask for help, get a peer’s attention, requesting a turn, be a spectator and so much more over the 8 week program.
Although winter is always challenging, the community embraced the program, returning week after week for fun new games. Coaches enjoyed adapting the sessions to create unique challenges for participants resulting in friendships developing between particpnats as they challenged themselves through games and activities.
In schools, our coaches engaged over 380 students in 9 schools across Gippsland during term 2. Streetgames provided both Play for All and Young Athletes programming for students. Our coaches developed personalised sports programming for the students, tailored to the participant’s needs.
Jesse (Coach) revealed that “the kids want me to keep coming back. They greeted us excitedly upon arrival and thanked us on departure” one child even exclaimed “This is the best day ever!”
For another coach, Poppy reported a highlight from the program was being able to engage a student that lost focus often during games, “we were able to bring him back into the games and he enjoyed it. It was great!”
With more schools coming on board for term 3, Streetgames are excited to continue to provide inclusive sport to the community of Gippsland, enriching the lives of our participants and the wider community.
GippSport Streetgames are always working on new and exciting initiatives for the community. We currently offer All Aboard, Go Soccer Mums, Skate Club, Special Olympics and much more to the community of Gippsland. If you want to get involved with any of our programs or wish to express interest in a different program, please reach out to us via our Facebook @Gippsportstreetgames, website www.GippsportStreetgames.com.au or email Den@Gippsport.com.au.
