Students Experience a PE Takeover

All students in grades K-5 and all students in Cumberland's self-contained ELS classes participated in having their PE classes taken over by coaches from Lincoln-Way Special Recreation Association and the Maines-Niles Association of Special Recreation.

The students participated in three adapted sports: wheelchair basketball, goalball and sit volleyball.

This event took the span of two days in order for each class to have the chance to experience the takeover.

PE Teacher Sarah Hamman said the opportunity allowed for the students to think about sports and how they can be adapted for people of all abilities to be able to participate.

Hamman said she had discussions with the students about how it felt to participate in these adapted sports, how all sports can be modified so individuals with disabilities can play sports and lead active lifestyles, and the challenges that individuals with disabilities face.

It was important to me that the students got the chance to participate in this opportunity in order for them to help increase their ability awareness. -Sarah Hamman

Hamman said the idea came after she attended a state convention for PE teachers last December and she participated in a disability awareness session.

She said the session had such an impact on her that she wanted to bring this opportunity to her students at Cumberland to experience.