Jul 23 - Fun-Packed Stay And Play For Children With Special Needs
The Stay and Play Programme for Children with Special needs, sponsored by NatWest as part of the Summer Sports & Leisure Programme kicked off on Monday after an eight day induction training programme that saw Roy Savage Bocce - Co-ordinator for Special Olympics Europe, Eurasia, visit Gibraltar to deliver a Bocce Leadership Training Course. The induction included an introduction to Fun & Team Athletics (IFTA), a second activity that can be enjoyed by children of all abilities, personalised training delivered by Annabelle Felipe and Gail Carreras from St Martin’s and the GHA respectively and many other areas giving ideas on appropriate activities aimed at encompassing the enjoyment and development needs of the youngsters taking part.
The overall programme structure will include sporting activities, arts and crafts, music, visits to local attractions, swimming and a movement, fun and water day which is a firm favourite from past programmes. The children and young people taking part will also have individual goals which will see some integrating fully with Children’s Corner and Sports Train and others concentrating on parallel activities, movement, communication skills and social interaction all delivered using drama and fun games.
This year’s programme will see a Boccia superstar’s day, IFTA Athletics competitions with youngsters from Children’s Corner and Sports Train and a final presentation showing the work that the youngsters have been involved in over the Stay and Play programme 2014.
This week’s activity programme got off to a flying start with youngsters being introduced to this year’s theme ‘Theseus and the Minotaur’. Storytelling, drama and making torches in readiness for their visit to the Upper Nature Reserve and the Siege Tunnels during which Calypso Tours provided transport free of charge to and from the tunnels to show their support for the Stay and Play Programme. The later part of the week will include sports, swimming, arts, dance and movement and lots of fun.
For further information please see the GSLA Web-site on www.gsla.gi or contact the Gibraltar Sports Development & Training Unit on e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 20076522.
Middle photo: Roy Savage Bocce Coordinator Special Olympics, Europe, Eurasia with Stay and Play Leaders. Top left photo: Calypso Tours arrive to take the Stay and Play youngsters to the first visit of this year’s Stay and Play programme to the Upper Nature Reserve Tunnels.
