Sabina Clark of Mini Shooting Stars writes:
My daughter Aleyah was born premature at 36 weeks weighing 2.01kg and was in special care for two and a half weeks, we didn’t realise that a year later she would be affected by a developmental delay, she was not walking at 18 months and the doctors put it down to a mild form of Cerebral Palsy, she required early intervention, lots of physio and needed to wear AFOs (Ankle foot Orthotic) as well as needing a walking aid. We were told there was a chance she might not walk. In an unknown situation we could only hope that early intervention would result in progression. When we were not at Physio we would take Ally to the swimming pool for an hour and get her to kick around in the water, when we couldn’t get to the pool we used the bath tub at home, every second counted and was essential in decreasing the muscle tone in her legs. Six months later, 2 weeks before she turned two she took her first step unaided! The next few months were followed with extreme optimism as she grew in confidence as well as in skills. Four and a half years on and she still require orthotics in her shoe, but it doesn’t stop her from being active, she loves swimming and climbing up trees. Just before she turned 6 her father took her to the Dandenong Ranges to tackle the 1,000 steps of the Kokoda Walk.
Last year I put together Mini Shooting Stars a basketball training program for children of all abilities, encouraging children with additional needs to partake in a mainstream sport. We have been supported greatly by the Eastern Recreation & Leisure Services. Our program is an introduction to basketball and is low-key. We work on the fundamentals of passing, dribbling, catching and shooting, as well as teaching children how to work as part of a team. We are based in Melbourne and further information can be found on our website www.minishootingstars.com.au
