On February 21, 2025, students at St. Anne Catholic School in Blenheim had the opportunity to take part in a truly unique and meaningful experience. As part of the school’s speaker series on acceptance for all, the Essex Wheelchair Basketball League visited, offering Grade 4 to 8 students the chance to try their hand at wheelchair basketball.

The event, which focused on celebrating diversity and the importance of perseverance, proved to be both challenging and fun. Students learned firsthand what it’s like to play basketball while navigating the obstacles of a wheelchair, gaining a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional challenges faced by those with people with wheelchairs.

Julie Knight, Principal of St. Anne, shared her thoughts on the experience: “This was an incredible opportunity for both our students and staff. It was so meaningful for our school community to step outside our comfort zones and gain a deeper understanding of what life and sport in a wheelchair is truly like. The students not only learned valuable lessons about persistence and teamwork but also about empathy and inclusion.”

A special thank you goes to John and Rob from the Essex Wheelchair Basketball League, whose dedication and coordination made this event possible. Their hard work ensured this powerful experience could be shared by all.

The experience left St. Anne students with a greater sense of respect for all of our differences  (others’ challenges) and a reminder that venturing out of their comfort zones can lead to invaluable growth.