In September of 2010, the athletes competing for gold at the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships (WWRC) were cheered on by hundreds of school children from across the Lower Mainland. Thanks to BC Wheelchair Sports Association’s (BCWSA) Wheelchair Rugby Schools Program Teacher Resource — which was developed by teachers for teachers — and the support of the Wheelchair Rugby Demo Team, these young fans were more knowledgeable than most of the adults in the gym.
Though the 2010 WWRC is over, the Wheelchair Rugby Teacher’s Resource Package remains a legacy of the event and is offered free to teachers around the world to educate students about the sport of wheelchair rugby. By framing disability through the perspective of sport, this resource seeks to raise awareness of accessibility and equality issues and encourages both able-bodied and disabled persons to be physically active.
PROGRAM GOALS
- To increase and sustain interest in the sport of wheelchair rugby beyond the 2010 WWRC.
- To educate students and teachers about the sport of wheelchair rugby so they will be enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans.
- To foster positive attitudinal changes toward including more persons with disabilities in physical activity on and off the playground.
- To educate and encourage friends, family and communities to become interested in legacy events of the 2010 WWRC, such as Canada Cup.
- To provide a resource provincially, nationally and internationally as a legacy of the 2010 WWRC.
- To promote independence, motivation, and inspiration in individuals with and without disabilities throughout the school system.
- To engage students in an international experience through web-based technology classroom initiatives.
PROGRAM LEGACY
Inclusion does not happen alone. Everyone needs to take a part in creating a more inclusive society and education is the key. As a teacher, this resource is a valuable educational tool to develop a practical yet comprehensive unit on wheelchair rugby, inclusion and accessibility issues,and the need to focus on persons with abilities rather than disabilities. The Lesson Plans included have been designed for intermediate grades however they can be easily modified for grades K to 10. Prescribed Learning Outcomes for Grade 5 have been provided as an example of the extensive curriculum connections.