The Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) Center, within the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, held its Sports Day on June 9th, 2023, hosted by Inter Health Canada.
This exciting event was held at the school's inclusive playground and asphalt track, donated by the Graceway community in May 2021.
The Ministry of Education and Inter Health Canada staff, parents, and supporters of the SNAP Center were in attendance.
Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports, and Social Services, brought greetings and declared the event officially open. Dr. Denise Braithwaite Tennant, CEO of TCI Hospital, brought greetings as host on the special occasion, concretizing the relationship.
The sporting activity incorporated races with fine, gross motor, and cognitive skills; such actions are essential for development as fine motor skills are the coordination between a child's small muscles, like those in their hands, wrists, and fingers, in coordination with their eyes. Other activities included self-help (catching the bus), getting dressed for school, putting on clothes and shoes, packing your bag, and off you go.
Hand and eye coordination (Fill it up), dipping water from a container with a cup to fill small bottles, and the Math Race - running and answering written math questions and then running to home base was engaging and fun.
Well-wishers had the opportunity to witness our students participating in sensory-enriching events. It was pleasing to see the incorporation of the student's goals from their Individual Educational Plan included in the sporting events.
There were several special races with the staff of the various entities SNAP Center, Inter Health Canada, and the Ministry of Education. Teacher Shantae, Dr. Braithwaite, and the Hon Taylor were first in their respective races.
Hon. Rachel Taylor – Minister of Education, commented: "The SNAP Center now falls under the remit of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports & Social Services, and I was overly delighted to have had the opportunity to join in on the activities with our students, teachers, parents, and sponsors.
"The level of enthusiasm, teamwork, and sportsmanship demonstrated by our students was exceptional and filled my heart. I look forward to working collaboratively with all our stakeholders to address our Special Needs students holistically."
Dr. Denise Braithewaite-Tennant – CEO InterHealth Canada – TCI Hospital, commented, "We are thrilled about our recent collaboration with the SNAP Centre to host a sports day. It was an incredible day filled with enthusiasm, energy, and, most importantly, inclusion. We believe that sports are an essential aspect of healthy living, and everyone deserves to enjoy the camaraderie and teamwork that comes with participating in sports.”