The Prinshof School for the Visually Impaired, which serves students with both visual impairments and severe intellectual disabilities, recently celebrated its annual sports day with the help of first-year Occupational Therapy (OT) students from the University of Pretoria.

Located in Pretoria and catering to students from across South Africa and neighboring countries, Prinshof School offers specialised education for children aged six to eighteen. This year’s sports event saw OT students from the University of Pretoria playing a critical role by assisting as physical aids, guiding the young participants through various activities designed to be accessible for all.

Upon arrival, the university students initially felt nervous about how best to assist. However, their anxiety soon melted away thanks to the warm welcome from the eager, smiling faces of the children, the dedicated occupational therapy team, and the teachers at Prinshof. The students were quickly immersed in the day's activities, gaining first-hand experience under the guidance of Teacher Vee and learning about the intricacies of working in occupational therapy with such a unique group of children.

The sports day featured a variety of adapted events, including a bean bag relay where participants rushed between points marked by cones, a musical chairs game played to the rhythm of a drum but with participants sitting on the floor when the drumming stopped, scooter races, and a backwards ball-passing relay.

Rebecca, an occupational therapist at Prinshof School, expressed her gratitude for the involvement of the first-year students: “We are immensely thankful to have had the support of the University of Pretoria’s OT students. Their participation brought joy and excitement to our learners, making this day a memorable one.”

The event not only served as an engaging day of fun but also as a poignant reminder for the students about the impact of occupational therapy. “This experience has confirmed that I've made the right career choice,” reflected Lindelwa Maphosa, a first-year OT student. “It’s profoundly rewarding to engage directly with the diversity of human experience and to contribute positively to the lives of these incredible children.”

Each participant was celebrated with a chocolate medal, symbolising their achievement and the spirit of inclusivity that Prinshof School strives to foster.