You can see the difference the sports gear makes on the faces of the children as they play.
The Victoria Kinsmen’s donation of sports equipment to the 18 students at Strong Point Therapeutic Learning Centre was immediately put to good use, said Strong Point director Andrew Farrell.
“The kids have been playing road hockey, basketball and soccer since the day the equipment arrived,” he noted. “We are really pleased that Kinsmen came through for us.”
Strong Point, a non-profit society, received road hockey equipment, nets, sticks, basketballs, soccer balls and bike helmets courtesy of Kinsmen Victoria at the beginning of April following a request from the grandparent of one of the children who sits on the parents advisory committee.
Three bikes were added to the mix this week, when local Kinsmen club members Chris Siver (president), Gene Clutchey (life member) and Scott Wood (district governor for B.C.) stopped by for a photo with the kids and the equipment.
The Colwood-based centre has 18 students between the ages of five and 12 who are dealing with developmental delays, including autism.
Three teachers and six educational assistants provide education ranging from kindergarten to Grade 7.
Strong Point relies on fundraisers to purchase educational materials and to enable field trips and physical education activities for the children.
With that in mind, Strong Point invites the public to their Spring Fling fundraiser May 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park on Carlow Road in Langford. The event will feature a barbecue lunch, games, prizes and entertainment.
“We couldn’t provide the education and services we provide without the support of the community,” Farrell said.
“The Spring Fling is a great family event and we hope that people drop by to help out and have some fun.”
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com