Approximately 12,000 Grade 3-8 Halton District School Board students participated in the recent Adaptive Cross Country Meet that brought together students of all abilities for team spirit, inspiration and fun.
Held at the Burlington Sherwood Forest Park throughout the week of Oct. 7, this event - held for the second consecutive year - was designed with three adapted routes to include athletes of all abilities. Students proceeded through a route of distances between 1.2 km to 2.2 km, corresponding to grade level. This year, around 12,000 students participated including more than 120 adapted runners. Schools submit their top five runners’ placement and team winners are calculated for every grade and gender.
Tanya Woods, an Instructional Program Leader with the HDSB, says the inclusivity of this meet makes the adaptive cross country event very special.
“You will see students cheering on their classmates at the start, along the route and especially at the finish line regardless of what place they are in,” she says. “The vibe is upbeat, encouraging and inclusive.”
For Jennifer Roos, a teacher at Bruce Trail PS, the Adaptive Cross Country Meet achieves an important goal ‒ that sports is intended for everyone to enjoy.
“As an educator, it’s exciting to see athletes of all abilities participating in their regional Cross Country meets. Sports have a unique ability to foster teamwork, discipline and a sense of belonging, and it's crucial that these opportunities are available to every student,” she says; approximately 500 students from Bruce Trail PS participated.
Through this event, Roos says she hopes students learn the importance of equity and opportunities for all.
“By hosting inclusive sporting events, it sends a powerful message that we, as a school board, believe in the potential of all students and are committed to creating equitable opportunities for all,” she says. “These events show our students that we are willing to adapt, grow and make necessary changes to ensure every student can engage in physical activity and competition. It breaks down stereotypes, showing us all that athleticism isn’t limited to one type of ability or experience.”
The adaptive meet fulfills several parts of the HDSB’s 2020-2024 Multi-Year Strategic Plan including the Mental Health & Well-Being and Equity & Inclusion areas of focus, says Woods.
“The connection to Mental Health & Well-Being is evident as research shows that physical activity has a huge impact on mental health. As well, students are spending a day outside, which also connects to well-being and positive mental health. And, given that the meet is open to all students and inclusive of our students of all abilities, it connects the Equity & Inclusion area of focus.”
Ultimately, Woods says this kind of event can inspire all students in many ways.
“There are so many takeaways from being involved in a meet like this,” she says. “It gives students an opportunity to engage in a team sport outside of regular school hours, encourage teammates as they participate and enjoy the successes of all students. The smiles on students’ faces at the meet says it all.”
