I think they had a good idea and maybe pyramids and other special needs teams from CA can pick up on it! (maybe they already do?)
About half of this team was comprised of girls from other teams in the gym. These girls did not do anything difficult, but they were there, on teh floor with the special needs team. They weren't front and center, they were just in the mix. Also, with the stunts, they based and let the special needs kids have the spotlight.
Here is why I think this is a great idea: 1) The special needs kids feel great when other children want to be involved with something they do 2) allows for more things to happen in the routine 3) they can guide the special needs kids who need help 4) They can promote safe stunts 5) It's just cute to see them out there performing!!!
I just like the idea!! =) Again, the most any of these girls did was a cartwheel with some of hte other kids!! It's not to add difficulty or "beat" any other teams....
Thanks, anonymous, this is a very good synopsis of exactly why we're looking to propose something like this at the next NACCC rules convention.
This is particularly helpful for the smaller special needs teams. There is only so much that can be done with a team of 6-8 athletes. But if another 6-7 'regular' athletes are added to the mix, some pretty neat choreography can be created. We are looking at a couple of restrictions: the regular athletes have to number fewer than the special needs athletes and nothing beyond level 3. We don't really want to see the regular athletes doing standing fulls, etc.
I agree that this would be a great route to go for the special needs teams! I know that where I live my son's little league program has two special needs teams that play each other every Sunday. The little league program has each of the Major teams (12 and under) go out and help the special needs teams one Sunday during their season. The kids are all paired up with a special needs child and they play the game right along side them for the whole game. They help them bat, run the bases (or push them in their wheelchair if required), and play the field. I know that both my boys did this and got soooo much out of it. They really had a good time and were able to understand more that these kids really are just like them but may have more challenges to overcome. They really appreciate more what they have and can do because it could just as easily have been them that needs the assistance.
I know if my daughter had the opportunity to do this, I would encourage her 100% as I think they get more out of it than anyone and the special needs kids are so appreciative and happy to have new friends!
Thank you for the info. We think its a great idea. As society and schools strive toward full inclusion its only natural sports do too! The attitude and acceptance at pyramids is great and this progress seems a natural.
