Ten primary schools have been selected from across Brisbane and Ipswich to take part in the Telstra Paralympic Education Program (TPEP) Roadshow. This very exciting pilot program will give students the opportunity to meet with some of the Australian Paralympic Team before they head off to compete in September's 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
Wheelchair basketballers Tige Simmons and Adrian King, swimmers Ricardo Moffatti and Brendan Hall, sailors Rachael Cox and Daniel Fitzgibbons, wheelchair rugby player Cameron Carr and powerlifting supremo Abebe Fekadu are among the athletes who will spend time with students, providing them with an insight into their Games preparations and the lifestyle of an elite Paralympic athlete.
The selected primary schools are all participants in the Telstra Paralympic Education Program, a free online education program initiative of the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC). The program includes a Teaching Resource themed on diversity and inclusion, and an Athlete Correspondence Program which coordinates a pen-pal program between students and Paralympic athletes.
The program aims not only to introduce students to champion Paralympians, but to increase awareness of people with disabilities and to inspire students to be the best they can be.
Complementing the existing TPEP Teaching Resource, the Roadshow provides students with an interactive experience of Paralympic sports and the Australian Paralympic Team. Students will have the opportunity to participate in some Paralympic sports including Wheelchair Basketball, Goalball and Sitting Volleyball.
Athletes will be sharing their pre-Games experiences with students, who will also have the opportunity for an open floor question time with the athletes. This enables the students to build a relationship with the athletes, giving them the chance to follow the Paralympian when they strive for success in Beijing.
Former Paralympians, wheelchair basketballer Alison Mosely and track athlete Amy Winters have been involved in the development of the program and are looking forward to the Roadshow. "The lead up to the Paralympics is such an exciting time for athletes. To be able to share this excitement with students and to involve them in the journey to success in Beijing is something they will remember for years to come" said Winters.
Schools participating in the TPEP Roadshow are: Crestmead State School, Brown Plains State School, Thornlands State School, Coolnwynpin State School, St Joseph's Primary Nundah, Graceville State School, Corinda State School, Grand Avenue State School, Silkstone State School and Aspley East State School.
The APC are very proud of the Telstra Paralympic Education Program, and are thrilled to be providing, with Telstra's support, a resource that will not only teach school children about Paralympic athletes and sports, but also about inclusion for all people with disabilities.
Students can watch the athletes in action at the XIII Paralympic Games from 6-17 September on ABC television, the host broadcaster for the 2008 Paralympic Games.
