That was the message from Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, as she attended a Paralympic Awareness Day organised by Disability Sports and Oakgrove Integrated College, Derry. Today also marks the beginning of the 2012 Get Set Educational Programme.
Speaking at the event the Minister said: “The 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are not just about sport. My Department is responsible for delivering the strong educational theme of the 2012 Games. I want our young people right across the island of Ireland to learn about the international Olympic ideals and for educationalists to use the spirit of the Games to invigorate and energise everything we do in education. I want to secure an education legacy that goes beyond 2012.
“Through the power of the international Olympic and Paralympics Games young people can benefit greatly in many areas of their lives. The Games can promote language learning, encourage citizenship, influence young people to become more active and help them to appreciate cultural diversity across the globe.”
During the event children from Oakgrove College and local primary schools heard about the Paralympic Games and the benefits of disability sport from Disability Sports Chairperson and former Paralympic gold medalist Angela Hendra MBE, before getting the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at the Paralympic sports of Wheelchair Basketball, Goalball and Boccia. Also in attendance was one of Ireland’s best known disabled athletes, four times world disabled waterski champion, Janet Gray MBE.
The Minister continued: “We have a unique opportunity to show our young people that dreams, ambitions and aspirations can be achieved with passion and hard work. You only need to look at success stories such as Jason Smyth who has brought home two gold medals and set new world records and Michael McKillop, who brought home a gold medal at this year’s Paralympic games, to see what can be achieved with determination and support.”
The Minister concluded: “It was wonderful to hear from Angela Hendra today and her enthusiasm and passion for helping our young people getting involved in sport. I would encourage teachers, youth workers and pre-school staff to consider how the international Olympic and Paralympic Games can help to deliver on the outcomes we want for all our children.”
Notes to Editors:
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