THE sun shone down on hundreds of athletes and volunteers at the 14th annual AIM (Athletes in Motion) Games.
The event, this year hosted by Princess Margaret Secondary, attracted nearly 220 secondary student athletes and 150 volunteers for a day of collaborative sport and play with individuals of varying abilities. While students outside played soccer, hockey and softball, inside there were games of basketball and boccia taking place, as well as dancing, weight lifting and relays.
Representatives from multiple sport and health associations attend the event each year to help build connections between families and organizations that provide programming for youth with disabilities:
- SportAbility
- Special Olympics
- Semiahmoo House
- BC Wheelchair Basketball
- Centre for Child Development
- BC Wheelchair Sports Association
- City of Surrey â Accessibility and Inclusion
- South Surrey White Rock Minor Softball
- Sport Medicine Council of BC
- Surrey FC Pegasus
- FloorballPlus
Deb Murin, a phys-ed teacher at Johnston Heights Secondary who coordinates the AIM Games each year, said this year’s event once again challenged myths and misunderstandings about persons with disabilities.
“We stepped over, wheeled around them and simply pushed aside barriers that need not exist,” she said. “We can all play together. The conversation is about abilities and connecting to local organizations that take our youth beyond school and deeper into the roots of community. Play lasts a lifetime.”
The games included opening and closing ceremonies, an athlete procession and medals.
(Story and photos by Surrey Schools)
