A. SPORTS EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOR SPECIAL ATHLETES  (SEPSA)

INSTITUTION

A sports program for special athletes has been available at Akdeniz University since 2001.  In the sports departments of the university, 30 university student volunteers administer this program in which 70 athletes train at the weekends.  

MISSION

In terms of volunteers:

·          To provide working experience with children with intellectual disability  for physical education teacher candidates.

·          To practice civic involvement.

In terms of children with intellectual disabilities;

·          To develop their fundamental movement skills and physical fitness

·          To gain sport skills 

·          To promote a life-long exercise habit 

·          To encourage their participation and adaptation to social life

In terms of parents:

n        To understand the positive effects of Sport education on their children

n        To develop cooperation and mutual support between families

In terms of society:

n        To demonstrate that children with intellectual disabilities can be successful in different fields, if appropriate educational opportunities are provided. 

n        To increase awareness of society’s responsibility to provide better educational opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities.   

VISION

To take people with intellectual disability  from out of their narrow boundaries into the flow of life, and to give them the opportunity to be individuals who are accepted in society, to earn respect from society, and to be seen as valuable and productive people.

PERIOD OF PROGRAM

The program starts in the second week of October, and finishes after May 19^th each year.  The program operates only on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:30 and 12:00.  There are no activities on official holidays and semester holidays.

TARGET POPULATION

•          Mental Retardation (Down Syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, all other types of MR)

•          Autism

•          Cerebral Palsy

CONDITIONS

•          At least 8 years of age

•         Without any serious behavior disorder.

•         Possessing a communication skill level sufficient for training in sports 

PROGRAM

•          Sports Training

•          Motor Activity Training Program

•          Unified Sports

•          Competitions  (Local, regional, national, international)

SPORTS PROGRAM

This program includes training in the following sports during the  year. 

·          Swimming

·          Track & Field

·          Basketball

·          Football

·          Gymnastics

·          Power-lifting

·          Volleyball

·          Tennis

·          Skiing

·          Motor training activity program

·          Table tennis

·          Bowling

·          Horse riding

·          Unified Football Training Program

What do parents say about this program?

·          The attitude of their peers towards our children has changed after the Special Olympic Games.  When their teacher said “Now they are champions”, their peers began to approach them in a more friendly way.

·          Activities at the University have helped Funda to develop her skills and prove herself. She is a very happy and self-confident girl thanks to these activities.

·          Up to now I had never thought that I would be proud of my daughter

•          It was very special and meaningful for us that Funda was seen on TV and in the newspapers after the Special Olympic Games, and participated in performances on special days

•          We have gained 11 medals in competitions in which we have participated up to now. At first we weren’t aware of competitions, we were just swimming. But now we are swimming to be first in competitions.

•          Our children who once walked on the roads in fear,  began to walk more confidently and more relaxed after they experienced achievement in the Special Olympic Games

•          Our children, who didn’t use to carry shopping bags, began to lift weights of many kilos in the power-lifting competitions

•          I wasn’t aware of my daughter’s needs for sports while I was rushing around on the way between school, our house and the special education center. 

What do volunteers say about this program?

·          To share something with them and to give something to them is a wonderful feeling. It is good that this organization exists and I am a part of it.   

·          Before I just felt sorry for them, but now I am happy because I can do something for them.

I like being with them. We are very happy to make it possible for their small world to include such huge happiness.

> POSTER PRESENTATION (ppt)