Student Lydia Mason assisting fellow student Jaden Bernard-Mills with getting used to the sled used in sledge hockey, during a recent Unified Sport session for North Nova Education Centre, held at the Pictou County Wellness Centre. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – A prime example of the benefits of Unified Sport was on display at the Pictou County Wellness Centre on Nov. 26, as North Nova Education Centre students participated in sledge hockey and recreational skating. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“It’s part of our physical education curriculum as well as the Unified Sport program,” said Shane Hampton, NNEC physical education teacher. Article contentArticle contentArticle content“Through the two of them, it’s a partnership where we work together – teachers as well as student leaders – helping our learning centre students have more physical activity opportunities in our community, throughout the year.” Article contentHampton noted that while sledge hockey and skating were on the menu for that day, two weeks ago it was an indoor soccer tournament, and coming up they plan a basketball tournament as well as, possibly, curling and horseback riding at Sumac Farms. Article content“So, there is a variety of events that we do throughout the whole year,” Hampton said, adding he believes NNEC’s involvement with Unified Sport is in year eight. Article content“It’s really about students leading students to provide more opportunities for physical activities,” he said. “There are adults here to help guide it, but, at the end of the day, it’s kids leading kids, and that is really what it needs to be about. It’s helping prepare our future leaders.” Article contentArticle contentFellow physical education teacher Kara Power agreed. Article content“It’s good leadership opportunities, and it’s good for getting involved in the community, while helping their fellow students at North Nova get out and explore new opportunities,” Power said. “Hopefully, they will find something they really enjoy and will stay active in.” Article content North Nova Education Centre has had Unified Sport part of their physical education curriculum for several years now. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentArticle contentUNIFIED SPORT Article contentThe Special Olympics’ website provides a definition of Unified Sport. Article content“Special Olympics Unified Sport is built upon the premise that in order to have the greatest impact the change process needs to start with young people,” the passage reads. “Unified Sport brings youth with and without intellectual disabilities together through education, sports, and related initiatives that provide them with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote the acceptance, respect, and human dignity for all students.”
Students leading students in exploring physical activity
