Pride of Australia: Program helps kids take fun plunge
AN ADAPTED Nippers program is creating opportunities for a group of children who otherwise might not get amongst the action in the surf, allowing some of them to catch a wave to shore for the first time.
Pride of Australia
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A GOLD Coast dad has given children with special needs a splash of fun, with a modified Nippers program getting youngsters into the water for the first time.
Nick Marshall, a physiotherapist and surf club coach at Nobby’s Surf Club and Kurrawa Surf Club, adapted the surf lifesaving Nippers program to let developmentally disabled kids take part in activities including short sand runs, ball and beach games and catching waves on rescue boards.
For some children it was the first time they had caught a wave to shore, he said.
“I’ve spoken with so many parents of children with special needs and they say they just wanted a chance to feel normal and do normal things with their family,” he said.
“The program aims to allow children to form friendships and lifelong bonds with people they meet in surf clubs,” he said.
The program was first run in April and Mr Marshall, a father of two, has been nominated for a Pride of Australia Medal in the Inspiration category for his commitment to his local community.
Mr Marshall has treated several patients including Olympic gold medallist kayakers, the world’s best ironmen and ironwomen as well as children with autism, cerebral palsy and paraplegia.
“The great spectrum of physical and cognitive difference is so very apparent to me every day,” he said.
“What’s also made it more rewarding but also challenging is that I don’t have a child with special needs.
“So many people said `why are you bothering? Leave it to those who have those kids’, but I think that’s the problem.”
The program catered for about 20 special needs children, aged between eight to 15 years, who were teamed with at least one lifesaver, a Nobby’s Nipper and a carer/parent.
The event was a one-off with a goal to see the program run throughout the surf season.
“Like anything it does cost money and so we are hoping to find a government grant or even private funder to make the program feasible to run more than once a year.”
Nominations for Pride of Australia awards close on July 19 couriermail.com.au/prideofaustralia.
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