THE DEVELOPMENT OF APA AT AKDENİZ UNIVERSITY

     The establishment of this program is based on the activities which were initiated at Akdeniz University Physical Education and Sport School in September 2001. This involved 3-4 children with intellectual disability who were trained by 2 volunteer students of the school in the swimming pool. This program, which has now completed its sixth year, continues with the attendance of approximately 70 athletes and 30 volunteers university students every year. Special athletes follow courses in basketball, volleyball, football, track & field, gymnastics, bowling, dancing, swimming, tennis, and table tennis, as well as occasional horse riding and canoeing according to their interests and skills. Those children who are not ready to take part in any branch of sport are guided into the ‘Physical Activity’ program. This program, which follows our university academic calendar, consists of two 12-week periods of 3 days every week. It is expected that the studies carried out will serve as a model for other university schools -especially for their Physical Education and Sport Schools-, by increasing the social awareness of disability, and providing opportunities for larger numbers of children with special needs to benefit from these sports opportunities.

     This program, which is designed to enhance the quality of life of children with special needs through sport, is supported by the ‘Special Athletes Youth and Sport Association’ that was established by the families of our special athletes in 2003. The association has promoted the integration of young people with intellectual disabilities from Ireland, Italy, Greece, Sweden and Slovenia with the leaders. Its first Project was supported by the National Agency, between the dates of 22-28 April in Antalya, within the concept of a program which includes many activities. The ‘Acquisition of Vocational Skills in the Food and Beverage Field Project’, which is supported by İŞKUR, has conducted with the participation of 12 children with intellectual disability since October 2007. The Architectural Project, which will be built around the purpose of providing for the educational and rehabilitation needs of children with special needs starting from the age of zero, has been completed in the university campus, and the necessary financial resources are now being searched for.