Reggeborgh supports (S)Cool on Wheels special education clinic
With support from Reggeborgh, the Dutch disability sport foundation (Fonds Gehandicaptensport) has further developed its existing (S)Cool on Wheels programme to now also roll it out to children in special education. These new (S)Cool on Wheels Unique clinics feature new teaching materials and the necessary sporting aids, so that children in special education can also participate. On 28 June, the (non-wheelchair-bound) pupils of Daniël de Brouwer School in Wilp were the first to be introduced to the clinic, which was festively opened by Carl Verheijen, who is a former speed skater, chef de mission and current chairman of the Beweegalliantie network to promote exercise.
During the clinics, pupils discover which sport suits them and what is on offer near where they live. ‘What a special experience for our pupils and I only saw happy faces. Taking strength from your impairment and being allowed to show it, that's what we saw at our school this morning. Everyone is unique and is allowed to be themselves,’ said Anita Bruijns, teacher at the Daniel de Brouwer school.
Making sport accessible to all
‘We are proud of the partnership with the disability sport foundation. We have long been a partner of Only Friends, a sports club in Twente that facilitates sports for people with disabilities. In addition, we were one of the sponsors of the National Special Olympics and I was able to see for myself how important it is for young people with disabilities to play a sport. By developing clinics for special education, we hope that even more young people will be exposed to sports and find a sport that is right for them,’ said Reggeborgh's Inge Wessels.
Nike Boor, director of the Dutch disability sport foundation continued: ‘The (S)Cool on Wheels project is hugely popular at schools. The clinics have been running at full speed at mainstream primary schools for years and more clinics are added every school year. Thanks to Reggeborgh's support, we can now offer a clinic especially for pupils in special education. Our primary aim is for the children to have an experience of success and to become enthusiastic about sports and curious about the sports on offer that are right for them. Indeed, our Uniek Sporten (unique sports) platform makes it extremely easy for people with disabilities to find a local sports club where they can play the sport they like, close to where they live.’
Pilot launched in Wilp
During a (S)Cool on Wheels Unique clinic for special education, even more in-depth attention is paid to the sense of belonging, self-confidence and sports participation. The existing wheelchair basketball clinics were expanded to include the sports of frame running and hand cycling and the theory was adapted to the theme of ‘Everyone is Unique’. Thanks to Reggeborgh, participation in a clinic is free in the Twente and Achterhoek region. Pilot clinics at other schools will follow early in the 2023/2024 school year. Schools interested in hosting a clinic can apply through this website.