KIDS HOPE AUS THEMED MENTOR HOUR THE PARALYMPICS 7-18 September 2016 “Yes I Can” We’re the Superhumans – Rio Paralympics 2016 This inspiring video clip shows people with disabilities doing all sorts of inspiring things! If you are able to share this with your student and then discuss the theme, “Yes I Can”, it will prove a valuable introduction to the unit: www.paralympic.org/rio-2016 Background The first-ever Paralympic Games—for athletes with disabilities—were held in Rome, Italy, in 1960. The Games debuted with eight sports, including swimming, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair fencing. Over the years, the Paralympics have increased in size and popularity, shining a global spotlight on the incredible abilities of the athletes. The London 2012 Paralympics saw 4,200 athletes participating in 20 sports 1 Boccia Goalball Para-Equestrian Paralympic Powerlifting Paralympic Sitting Wheelchair Wheelchair Track and Field Volleyball Basketball Tennis Word search Printable Paralympic word searches can be found on these sites: www.activityvillage.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/paralympic_sports_word_s earch.pdf www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/120305114544812_Wordfind.pdf An Olympic Sports word search: www.activityvillage.co.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/paralympic_sports_word_s earch.pdf 2 A sports word game www.esltower.com/VOCABSHEETS/olympics/Olympic%20Sports%20Word%20G ame.pdf Flashcards Printable flashcards are available here – useful for matching games and word activities. http://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/sites/kids/files/attachment/flashcards- olympic-and-paralympic-sports.pdf Paralympics crossword A more challenging crossword for older students, requiring some research. www.paralympic.org/sites/default/files/document/120305114246067_Crossword.p df Printable worksheet https://learnenglishkids.britishcouncil.org/sites/kids/files/attachment/yourturn- olympic-and-paralympic-games-worksheet.pdf . 3 Research 1. Paralympic Sports Make a list of all the sports played by Paralympians: www.paralympic.org/rio-2016/sports Choose one and find out as many facts as you can about that sport. You may want to choose an unusual one, like sitting volleyball or goalball. Make a list of your discoveries. 2. The Paralympians Choose four Paralympians from the following website, maybe from a number of different sports. www.paralympic.org.au/athletes/ On this website you will also find information about the events of each participant. Record the athlete’s name, age, event, date they are competing and results in the table on the following page. 4 The Paralympians Name and Age Event/s Date of Heats and Result Finals 5 Olympic Art Activities Olympic Rings Resources: Cardboards tubes x5 Paint in the Olympic ring colours Plain white cardboard or poster paper Dishes for paint x 5 (meat trays from the supermarket) Instructions: Pour each paint colour into the trays. Dip the end of a cardboard tube into the paint and start “stamping”! Repeat with every colour. Lego Olympics If your child enjoys Lego, try making the Olympic rings on a backing sheet. You could also create your favourite Paralympic event, using Lego. The school will most likely have sets of Lego you can borrow. 6 Olympic Medals Printable Olympic medals can be downloaded for free on this website. www.education.com/worksheet/article/printable-olympic-medals/ Olympic Wind Sock Craft Use some strong white cardboard, texta colours (for the rings), crepe paper streamers (in Olympic colours) and some string to create the wind sock. 7 Create your own events You may like to combine with other mentors and children to try some of these activities: Modified Discus Throwing Make this discus set using paper plates, paint and a cardboard tube. Enjoy a game together! “Pool Noodle” Javelin Throw An outside activity. Use a pool noodle to practice throwing a javelin. See how far you can throw it. Take a tape measure outside with you. A Marble Race Check the website https://au.pinterest.com/pin/138626494754202378/ for a simple indoor activity. You will only need a pool noodle, some marbles and a box. Enjoy! A Blindfold Walk With either the mentor or the child wearing a blindfold, lead each other for a walk around the school to experience the lack of sight while walking. Sitting Volleyball Tie some string between two chairs. Sit on the floor, one on each side of the “net” and enjoy a game of volleyball with a a blown-up balloon! 8 .