The Physical Education Department of the Athens College Elementary School organized a range of activities to mark the International Day of Disabled Persons which is celebrated on December 3. These activities took place on December 3 and 4, for students from Grades 3-6.

Students had the opportunity to learn about the life and achievements of cycling champion Nikos Papagelis, and to participate in different sports without using certain parts of their bodies or some of their senses. They ran with their eyes closed, with the guidance of a “guide”-student; they played sitting volleyball and did basketball drills (sitting on a chair or on the floor); they did target practice while sitting; and they swam without using one of their limbs.

Through these activities, students realized some of the difficulties faced by people with disabilities, they understood the need for respect and solidarity, and became more aware of how our everyday behaviors need to change. Differences should not stand in our way, while we loudly say: “All equal, all different!”