Bankstown’s ‘Field of Dreams’ lived up to its name recently when it played host to participants from the Australian Government’s Active After-school Communities (AASC) program.

The event, run by baseball stalwart and tireless disability campaigner Norm Perry, saw two special schools, Les Powell and Broderick Gillawarna, come together to compete in a AASC sports gala day.

It was the first time in both schools’ history that its students had come together to play and compete in sport. The participants took part in soccer, t-ball and boccia which capped off the Term 3 AASC activities.

The purpose of the AASC sports gala day was to provide an opportunity for the children to play, learn and experience the value of sport with new people in a new environment.

Les Powell School staff member Gina Wheeler said for some of the students, it was the first time they had played sport and games on a sporting field.

‘They played each game enthusiastically. Many students were excited to buy their lunch independently and to eat in the outdoor setting. All the staff and students are keen to make this AASC sports gala day a regular event,’ Wheeler said.

Principal of Broderick Gillawarna School, Karen McDonnell said the sports gala day was a great success which highlighted the positive impact physical activity can have on students with special needs.

‘Many of our students are unable to access any form of after-school activity or team games due to their intellectual or physical disability or challenging behaviour,’ McDonnell said. ‘The opportunity to run a program such as the AASC within our unique setting allows maximum participation by all students and provides exposure to active, healthy lifestyles.’

The AASC program is delivered in around 3,270 schools and out of school hour care services around Australia. Eighteen per cent of these include special schools or schools which cater for children with special needs