Inclusion in sport & recreation

Wendy Kenbeek

Teacher - Physical Education

Nothing captures the spirit of our studies around inclusion quite like watching Year 7 students experience sport from a new perspective.

For the past twelve years, every Year 7 student has had the privilege of participating in our Wheelchair Basketball Program -an experience that highlights the many ways people move, play, and engage in sport. This event forms a key part of our Inclusion Unit in Year 7 Physical Education when students learn to understand and appreciate diversity and inclusion through hands-on activities.

In the lead-up to the wheelchair basketball incursion, students take part in a range of challenges - such as being guided through an obstacle course while blindfolded or attempting a game of soccer without sight - to help build empathy and deepen their understanding of the need to consider the challenges around inclusion in sport and recreation.

Leading our students in the wheelchair basketball program is Peter from DSR (Disability Sport & Recreation), who is a familiar and much-loved figure to our students. His remarkable journey from crawling to school as a young boy in Nigeria, to becoming a Paralympian weightlifter and later a dedicated wheelchair basketball athlete, continues to inspire all who engage with him. Every year, students eagerly approach him to listen, learn, and connect. Peter’s resilience, strength, and optimism show what can be possible when and individual rises to meet a personal challenge. His story stays with our students long after the session ends.

Here’s what our students had to say…

Shaurya Bang

This was one of the best incursions I have had this whole year!

Emerald Macmillan  

In wheelchair basketball we started with a talk about self-confidence that was really inspiring. Peter shared a few stories from his childhood and taught us to believe. The actual basketball session was exciting and immense fun.

Eva Mornement 

Peter inspired us to not care about what other people say and be grateful for the things we have. I had such a fun time using the wheelchairs and for once I didn’t care whether I was the best or not because I enjoyed it and that was the highlight so thank you so much!!

Jarvis Enright-Jones

I think I’ve never had a more interactive incursion in my life. Peter was super nice and he made my experience a fun one.