This program is designed to instil confidence, build self esteem, and also to build trust between the students and their trainer, their teachers, teacher aides, general public, and importantly, amongst themselves.

The positive effects exhibited in the happiness and increased learning of the students currently involved, is clear for everyone to see.

We have been operating the program for 12 weeks so far

Our students largely have signifigant learning difficulties, and some have behavioural issues.

The students are given ownership of their program, from bringing their sports gear, to following the Gyms/instructors rules, respecting equipment and other gym users.

The majority of our students can not afford to pay for gym sessions, but the benefits to their well being from the experience can not be measured in financial terms.

The more funding we can obtain, the more students we can introduce to the program.

The funding will pay for groups of up to 8 students at a time to go to the gym, have the use of all gym facilities, and the attention of their own personal trainer.

We have been running the program for our initial group of 8 students. if we obtain the full amount of funding, we would be able to introduce every one of our students to the program, over the next year.

Funding has come personally from Steve Thompson to get program running

No income other than discounts from gym owner, personal trainer and Mr Thompsons payments

DONATE TO ASSIST THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE LEARNING SUPPORT CENTRE RUN ITS GYM CLASSES FOR STUDENTS

WHAT IS THE FUNDING FOR?

We have started a program to take students from our learning support centre to Shane Cameron’s gym, once a week.

The funding breakdown would be as follows

Group 1 $40 per week for 40 weeks $1600

Group 2 $40 per week for 40 weeks $1600

clothing (Shirts and shorts if possible) $800

HOW WILL THIS BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY?

The main benefit is to the children,however families and the local community benefit from happier, fitter,healthier children.

We run this program in conjunction with other programs in our learning support centre, including healthy eating, exercise etc.

The program gives the students something to take ownership of. It builds confidence and gives them a level of self esteem they may not have experienced before.

They learn co-operation with others (other members of the group, personal trainer, gym staff).

In conjunction with the classroom programs, they learn the importance of regular and healthy eating and the effects this has on their brain, body and ability to learn, exercise etc.

The excitement, happiness, increased capacity to learn after the sessions is proof of the positive benefits of the program.

It has also directly led to a further program being run at school for our students.

After school, twice weekly, the students are able to take part in fitness training sessionsthat are run by Mr Thompson.

There is no pressure for the students to attend, but the proof is in the fact that the students are excited about the sessions, and encourage each oither to attend.

The students go home happier, fitter, healthier and share that with their families, friends and other people in their local communities.