This year in Physical Education our class participated in a unit of work on Disability Awareness, where we experienced what it was like to play a range of physical activities while having a physical disability.

In relation to this topic our class travelled down to the Caledonian to help out with the Otago Secondary Schools, Special Olympics Athletics event. This involved volunteering to help run track and field events for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Each of us had different roles. These included being involved with recording results, writing of certificates, being starters and timekeepers, or markers and measurers for the field events. Highlights from students that volunteered for this event included “ it was nice to see the competitors happy with their achievements; meeting them and chatting with them and reconnecting with people”. Overall the day was very rewarding and we all enjoyed this experience. Not only did we help out our community, but we were also able to have fun and meet new people. We would like to thank Julia Sanson, the regional team leader for the lower North and South Island Special Olympics, for giving us this opportunity to help out at this wonderful community event. Also a big thank you to Miss Ward who coordinated and made this happen and to Ms Hokianga who came with us on the day.