Aberdare STARS class helps Children to Shine
November 5, 2008
An activity group held at Michael Sobell Sports Centre, Aberdare, is helping children with delayed motor skills to shine.
The Shining STARS classes are held every Monday from 5-6pm for children aged four-11 who are autistic, have dyspraxia or Downs Syndrome. The 45-minute exercise sessions are designed to help children grow in confidence and improve their hand and eye co-ordination and balance.
Mum Tracey Jones, of Aberdare, whose son Jack, aged five, attends the class, said: “Jack has DCD (development co-ordination disorder) and finds it hard to hold a pen, so his writing is a little bit behind.
“Our occupational therapist recommended us to go to Shining STARS to improve Jack’s motor skills and he enjoys it. The children can try trampolining, riding bikes, taking part in games and walking through tunnels, and it builds their balance and motor skills.
“I think Jack’s co-ordination and balance has improved and his team recently won two competitions at their sports day – one of them was the egg and spoon race.”
Andrew Coulson, Shining STARS officer, said: “We encourage parents or guardians to come along as it gives everyone a chance to learn together. We hope that what the children learn in class they can do at home.”
Swimming-pool based classes – Splash STARS - are also held for children with autism aged four-16 on Sundays from 5-6pm in both Llantrisant Leisure Centre and Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad. For more information, please call Andrew Coulson on 01685 874323
A new Shining STARS class has also started at Llantrisant Leisure Centre on Tuesdays from 5-6pm. Please call the centre on 01443 224616 for more information.
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