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Fun is name of game at Winter Adapted Games

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It was a damp and dreary day outside, but there was nothing but bright smiles, laughs and giggles inside the Queen’s Athletics and Recreation Centre on Saturday during the annual Winter Adapted Games.

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Since 1991, children and youth from the Kingston community who have an identified disability descend on the Queen’s campus for a day of fun, non-competitive games and activities.

On Saturday, just over 100 children and youth were matched up about 150 Queen’s buddies.

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According to the Games website, the event emphasizes the importance of social interaction and physical activity in an environment that promotes success and emphasizes the ability to participate.

Julia Ashton, a third-year kinesiology student from the Toronto area, said the participants are split into two programs: younger clients under 16 years of age and older participants.

The event is organized by Kinesiology students, but students from all programs at Queen’s University volunteer.

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Some of the activities include floor hockey, bowling, hula-hoop, basketball and spirited games of tag.

“We try to have different activities for all different energy levels, as well as we have crafts for low-key kids. We’ve got sports going on for those with more energy,” Ashton said.

Planning for the free event started in the first semester in the fall and many meetings leading up to Saturday’s event.

“It’s really great to see the kids so excited,” she said. “It’s a really fun day.

“The kids can get to know some Queen’s students and know their way around campus. It’s my favourite day of the year and it’s a lot of the kids’ favourite day.”

imacalpine@postmedia.com

twitter.com/IanMacAlpine

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