When the opportunity arose last year to possibly be able to purchase a swing for our school playground it was met with great excitement! We had surveyed our community around what new ideas people wanted to see in our playground, and following this we had recently installed some new rainbow radical climbing rings and some musical instruments, but the hotly desired swing remained on the list as a lofty financial goal for our wee school. We also had a working priority of how we could make our playground accessible to all, with one of our students unable to use any of the current playground equipment. And so, the project was kicked into action.

There were a number of dots to connect with funding, quotes, purchasing, ordering, waiting… It has taken a few months to come together… But with the amazing support of Sport Otago, Sport New Zealand, Alexander McMillan Trust and Bendigo Valley Sports and Charity Foundation, we have been able to make this dream a reality. Our school community is so grateful to these organisations for their support and such generous funding to enable this invaluable accessible play opportunity.

Play is a huge part of our school, and an integral part of the well-being of our tamariki. In the break times, before, during, and after school, the playground is always busy with groups of children of all ages playing together. It is so exciting to think we now have this equipment that provides a play opportunity for all;. An inclusive play space that allows one of our students who was missing out, to be able to play, and also play with and alongside her peers. This will also have direct benefits to the wider community who frequently use our school and hall facilities.

Thank you again to Sport Otago, Sport New Zealand, Alexander McMillan Trust and Bendigo Valley Sports and Charity Foundation for supporting this project.

He aha te mea nui? Māku e kii atu, he tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.

What is the most important thing in the world? Well, let me tell you, it is people, it is people, it is people.

Gina Preece