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Christmas Came Early

It is tough to teach without the right equipment as physical education teacher Mark Slomp can attest. "It is difficult to have an effective dribbling drill when you only have two basketballs and a class Ml of boys," he said.

A grant from the Lethbridge Community Foundation has completely changed the physical education program at the Third Academy where Slomp teaches. The Third Academy is a kindergarten to grade 12 school for boys and girls with learning disabilities. "Christmas came early as the kids helped unpack the boxes of equipment. They were so excited," he said. "Thanks to the Foundation we now have a physical education program at our school. This has been a great change for our students."

The grant enabled Slomp to purchase floor hockey. 4 equipment, badminton sets, softball equipment, basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, soccer balls, and a variety of specialized equipment to help students with special issues such as balance. "Before we didn't even have the basics. Now we have a great foundation upon which we can

build." This fall the Third Academy takes up residence in the old St. Pat's school in Lethbridge. "With the move into town, we expect a significant increase in our enrolment," said Debbie Quesnelle, Community Relations Officer.

According to Slomp, "Sports are such an important part of a child's development. It is so awesome for us to have the equipment now to provide our students with quality learning opportunities. We are taking fuIl advantage of all the equipment we have now."