that's just how we roll

Wendy Kenbeek

Teacher - Physical Education

In October, all Year 7 students participated in a WheelTalk event . 

WheelTalk - delivered by Disability, Sport and Recreation Victoria - is an interactive program that encourages students to think about diversity, acceptance and disability while gaining an understanding of what it is like to live with disability. 

Presented by Victorians with disability who are actively involved in sport and recreation, WheelTalk combines unique stories of lived disability with the opportunity to play up to an hour of wheelchair basketball.

Peter Temitope Okunyemi  gave an inspirational talk to the students about his disability and how it has impacted on his life. More importantly, he talked about all the things he is still ableto do and the importance of 'getting back up when you fall down'. Peter contracted polio as a child living in Africa. He spoke of being lucky that the disease only affected his legs, and explained in detail about his daily life growing up and how he had to crawl to school for 3 hours each day as there were no wheelchairs or crutches available to him.

After Peter's engaging talk, all students had a chance to try wheelchair basketball for themselves. Overall, they really enjoyed the experience of the game and recognised what a unique opportunity it was for them. Peter really gave them the inspiration to try something new and to give it their best effort!

Achina Vearing

Truly inspirational,  [this experience] really opened my eyes to disability sports. I definitely  want to play wheelchair basketball again!

Imogen Heathcote

Peter's story showed me how priviledged first-world countries are. Playing basketball in the wheelchair was fun and helped raise awareness around ways to have fun even when disabled. 

Nabil Nabil

Doing wheelchair basketball made me realize how hard the game is. Hearing Peter's story made me realize how unfair the world is. 

Lula Goodman

I thought Peter's presentation was very moving and I feel like for people with disabilities wheelchair sports are something fun .

Indigo Johnson

Peter has taken his disability and turned it into a positive thing in his life.

Aya Hocking

Most people think that disabilities make you incapable of doing amazing things but Peter persisted and proved those thoughts wrong. 

Anna Thomas

Peter's story made me realize how privileged I am.

Eram Ahmed

Peter has found a way to turn his experiences into lessons and advice for others. He has an inspiring story and a true gift - he can turn his negative experiences into positive gifts.  I would like to thank Peter for teaching us wheelchair basketball and opening our eyes to a new world of disability sports. 

Photo Gallery - Click on photographs to enlarge.

Claudia Johnson

Assistant Principal

It was fabulous to see the Year 7 cohort embrace this opportunity to have a go at disabled sport. They really threw themselves into the experience and soon learned that it requires a  great deal of  skill, dexterity and strength - but is also a lot of fun. The students really enjoyed the activity and the laughter echoing around the gym was infectious.  Peter's instruction was invaluable - he was so good at motivating the students to give it their best!