School in the swing

By Shaun Inguanzo
STUDENTS at Noble Park Special Development School are swinging their way to a better lifestyle courtesy of the Lions Club of Springvale’s generous donation of physiotherapy equipment.
The Lions Club donated a special swing set worth $3500 that is designed to help school physiotherapists promote a range of skills among the school’s 130 disabled students.
Lions Club of Springvale president Jim Cooper said his members and volunteers had worked hard to raise the necessary funds for the school after approaching it in 2004 and asking how it could help.
Mr Cooper said the package was custom made and included a suspension bar and three various swings designed to exploit the use of different body parts.
Noble Park Special Development School principal Jackie Lowther said the school was ‘overwhelmed’ by the Lions Club’s fundraising and that students would not have had access to the equipment this early if the school was forced to find the funds itself.
“The school community is very appreciative of the financial support of the Lions Club,” Ms Lowther said.
“The money that has been donated was used to purchase overhead tracking for suspended equipment including a platform swing and hammock swing.
“The equipment is being used to help improve students’ strength, balance, levels of engagement and to encourage communication.
“And the students are really enjoying using the suspended equipment.
“They are having a lot of fun and it has provided more options for physiotherapy at the school.”
Ms Lowther said the efforts of the Lions Club of Springvale would never be forgotten.
“We are very grateful to have such great community support,” she said.
Mr Cooper said the Lions Club of Springvale was still looking for new members and volunteers to continue raising funds that will help a range of community groups and organisations, including the Noble Park Special Development School.
To become involved, contact Mr Cooper on 0409 436 393.