Over 350 ACT students with a physical or intellectual disability participated in our annual SHG ‘Be the Best You Can Be’ Sports Day on Tuesday 18 September. And what a day it was!
The students took part in modified sporting activities at the AIS Track & Field Centre in Bruce – basketball, soccer, rugby league, the Modified Rugby Program, sprints, long jump and an obstacle course. Over the lunch break, students got the opportunity to interact with local mascots and celebrities and take part in the Party Down Productions Dance Party.
Renowned sports announcer, Tim Gavel, called the first-ever mascot Dance Off. Competitors included YMCA’s Filbert Frog, Cancer Council’s Sid Seagull, Victor the Viking, Paddy Platypus and SHG’s very own Shaggy the Turtle. There were some great moves on the dance floor –congratulations to Shaggy for winning the dance off!

Sponsors and supporters

The Snedden Hall & Gallop team is not alone is organising this event – the day would not be possible without the support of our generous sponsors. Thank you to SportAUS, Supabarn, Capital Chemist, Cancer Council ACT, Party Down Productions, Marist College Canberra, Panache Driver Training, YMCA, State Emergency Service, ACT Policing and the Canberra Raiders.
Thank you also to Basketball ACT, Capital Football, NRL Backyard League, The Modified Rugby Program/Vikings Canberra, Little Athletics ACT and B.FIRM. for your equipment and expertise in organising activities for the students. The students, teachers, volunteers and SHG staff all appreciate your enthusiastic support.
This year, we were lucky to have some amazing local athletes join us as well. Thank you to: Louise Ellery – paralympic seated shot put champion; Sue Powell – paralympic gold and silver medal cyclist; Cam Crombie – World Para Athletics Championships Gold Medallist; Canberra Vikings Players – Ben Hyne, Darcy Swain & Jordan Jackson-Hope; Brumbies Players – Connal McInerney, Andy Muirhead and Tevita Kuridrani; and the Canberra Capitals.

Feedback

We have had an overwhelming response to this year’s event – here is some of the lovely feedback we’ve received:
“Thank you for all your organisation with the sports day.  The smooth running of the day and effort you and the organisation go to in making students with a disability feel like champions is greatly appreciated and a reflection of the community mindedness of the organisation.”
“Our boys had the best time and really got so much out of it. It was an amazing day and thank you for your hospitality.”
“It was a great day that we were thrilled to be a part of – it was awesome seeing so many smiling faces and I speak on behalf of the three of us when I say that we found it really special that we were able to use Rugby as a means to contribute to our community.”
“Today our youngest son, who is autistic, attended his very first Be the best you can be, which is sponsored by your firm. Our son came home with his very first gold medal! As a parent of a special needs child you have no idea how much this means to me, with proud tears running down my face, from the bottom of my heart I say thank you for letting our son just be normal and free.”
“Thanks Kirsten and the whole team for putting on another great sports day! The staff here have asked me to pass on their appreciation and thanks for everything you guys did. Can’t wait for next year.”
We hope to see you again you all in 2019!