What is it like to play soccer with a visual impairment, or play volleyball with limited leg mobility? What is it like to compete in the Paralympics? U of T students explored these questions at Play the Game, an event designed to help students learn more about adapted sport and inclusivity.
Hosted on November 25 at the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education (KPE), the event encouraged participants to play four sports, including adapted bocce ball, seated volleyball, wheelchair basketball and blindfolded soccer.
“Typically, you roll bocce balls with your hand using hand-eye coordination,” said Terry Gardiner, assistant manager of co-curricular diversity and equity. “Many of us who are able bodied take hand-eye coordination for granted. But when we ask students to use their feet instead of their hands, they start to experience what it might be like to be differently abled.”
The idea for the event came from the Faculty’s Equity Movement, a student-led group that hosts activities to promote inclusivity and physical and mental health across campus. The group has hosted the event for the past two years and this year they welcomed 60 participants to the Athletic Centre.
“The goal of this event is to engage as many students as possible,” said student Roxy O’Rourke, equity initiatives and partnerships student leader. “We had participants with varying abilities and our message is that everyone can participate in adapted sport.”
Beyond playing the four sports, students also welcomed keynote speaker Tracy Schmitt, who is a four-way amputee and Paralympic bronze medalist in alpine skiing. Schmitt encouraged students to help sport become more accessible.
“Tracy made a huge impact. She taught us how to engage with those who are differently abled,” said Sam Delage, student and equity training and education student leader. “She told us that if we see someone isn’t able to participate, we should help them figure out how to get involved – there’s got to be a way.”
This year the event also welcomed staff to the event.
“I had never played wheelchair basketball, but I quickly got the hang of it and focused on the game – it was a lot of fun!” said Vindra Gooljar, KPE Human Resources Administrator. “This event helped me to better understand the different needs of individuals because we work with people with a wide range of abilities.”
What’s next for the event?
“We’re looking forward to expanding this event and engaging even more students in the future,” said O’Rourke. “It’s easy for people to say that they want activities to be more accessible, but we’re interested in giving people a concrete experience that they can learn from.”
Play the Game, The Paralympic Way from UofT Kinesiology & Phys Ed on Vimeo.