The annual athletic carnival for children with disabilities is back at Gold Coast Recreation and Sport after a 3-year suspension due to the pandemic. Approximately 500 students with disabilities participated in the 400 numbers that were contested.
“There is no doubt that the potential of future paralympic athletes who have triumphed today has its roots in a carnival-class competition,” said Gold Coast Recreation and Sport Chief Executive, Anna-Louise Kassulke, as quoted by ABC News, Saturday, September 10, 2022.
According to Kassulke, this event was held to encourage and explore the interests and potentials of children with special needs through the safe zone. Kassulke added that the safe zone must be passed by children with disabilities so that in the future they can compete in a more inclusive life. In addition, the Gold Coast carnival is an opportunity for children with special needs to show their abilities in front of the non-disabled community.
“These students, some of them are in inclusive education, so don’t have this opportunity in their school,” Kassulke said.
One of the winners in this athletic competition is Daniel Nesbitt, 11 years old with autism and ADHD. In this competition, Daniel managed to win gold medals for the 50-meter and 100-meter sprints. “This is my favorite day of all time,” said Daniel.
Feeling proud and accepted by the environment is very important for every child, including children with special needs. Besides being able to increase self-confidence in dealing with relationships outside the disabled community, sports competitions also teach children with special needs to be fair and sportive.
“This event is one of our favorite events because here we can free students to compete inclusively and according to their ability level, there is potential that is really being explored, we prepare for it throughout the year,” said David Tuzi of Varsity College.
