Our students are desperate to continue team sports in our school. The friendships created between a "troubled" student, a special needs student, a student who has moved continually or a kid simply needing acceptance is phenomenal. These kids who participate will beat the odds stacked against them.
We are located by one of the largest military bases and house over 620 students with majority of that population being special needs students.
Within the district we are that school, the school who welcomes the kids who are considered different, troubled, need special attention, have a disability or have been given one more chance before heading to alternative school. We get very little support in getting required materials much less equipment for team sports. Coaches volunteer their time and are constantly holding fundraisers in hopes of receiving hand me down equipment and happily accept donations of any kind in order to give every student in our school the opportunity to play a team sport. Every student who wants to play a sport makes the team. However these students know coaches have high expectations of them inside and outside the classroom. Knowing this, students turn the corner and excel.
My Project
The equipment requested will provide necessary needs and support our teams. Sports enhance large and small motor skills, and supports fitness. The tennis balls will provide enough for the season for practice. The kettle bell, and body bar will help build strength using it for full body motion exercises. The portable ballet bar will help those needing training in stability and mobility. The ab roller will help with core strength, focus and balance. All of these aspects also help the special needs kids who play our team sports. Team sports teaches kids to work together and to find their self worth. The equipment will provide what we need to move forward and help our small school be able to continue participating in sports throughout our district. The students desire and determination to make this team a reality is about to burst from them. They are ready!
Being a part of a team at this age, will have a lasting impact on each student.
It will not only increase their confidence but it will also build character. Team sports, especially for a special needs student, enhances eye hand coordination, fine motor skills and improves their social skills. For some of these students, this will be the only time they will be a part of team. This will be the only time they are accepted. Continuing to build our exercise room is a must for these kids.
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