Elementary students here learned about equality and inclusion, while having some fun at the local arena last week.
Palmerston Public School students were the latest to participate in a sledge hockey program initiated by the Upper Grand District School Board in 2016.
The program is the brainchild of Drayton Heights Public School teacher Andy Speers, who has a child with special needs, said Palmerston Public School Principal Tracey Baker.
“He just thought, ‘How can we bring more awareness of equity issues and inclusion issues into the school’ and he thought ‘what better way than having children actually experience something’ … it puts people on an equal playing field,” said Baker.
“There’s a lot of great discussion that happens with the students before and after they’ve gone through the experience and they have an opportunity to have some fun at the same time.”
Baker said there is no cost for equipment needed for the program, thanks to the sponsorship of Elora-based Polycorp, arranged by Speers.
He also provided training for teachers, including Scott Walls of Palmerston Public, who facilitates the sledge hockey program.
Baker said she got a chance to try sledge hockey for herself at a recent meeting of the school district’s principals and vice principals.
“It was challenging,” she said. “It’s different than regular skating – you know, you fall and you get up. In this instance, you’re strapped in. When I fell I had to get colleagues to come and tip me back up … it absolutely gives you an appreciation for the skill and determination of the folks who do this.”
Students in Grade 4 and up each received a two-hour on-ice session on sledge hockey at the Palmerston arena last week. Unfortunately, an appearance by Canadian Paralympian Paul Rosen scheduled for Feb. 1 had to be cancelled after Rosen fell and suffered an injury the previous night.
