Holzheim's Regenbogenschule school needed balls and turned to the SWG "Spiel' Dein Spiel" campaign. With success.
Balls are an integral part of sports lessons. And rightly so. After all, balls are extremely versatile. Throwing, catching, bouncing, shooting, dribbling, balancing - all of these movements serve to improve coordination. If soft foam balls are used - as is the case at the Rainbow School - the fun factor is also increased. Because even if something doesn't work right away, nobody gets hurt. "We urgently needed new balls and are very grateful that our dedicated support association applied to 'Spiel' Dein Spiel' for our school and that Stadtwerke Gießen considered the application," explains Katrin Wemhöner, class teacher and sports coordinator at the Holzheim primary school.
Stadtwerke Gießen (SWG) actually gave the Regebogenschule a total of 50 balls as part of the "Play your game" campaign. "It's really amazing how much potential there is in something as simple as a ball at first glance," explains Stephanie Orlik. She is responsible for sponsorship at SWG and therefore also for the campaign.
Different models
One of the aims of sports and exercise lessons in years 1 to 4 is to teach the children certain basic skills with the ball. The rule here is: a lot helps a lot. Because if the children don't have to wait until it's their turn again, but can practise with their own ball or in small groups, they learn much faster. This is exactly what the 30 new soft foam balls now make possible. Six of them bounce just as well as air-filled ones, but are significantly harder. "With these balls, we were able to expand our class set of soft handballs. They are ideal for the children to practise bouncing," says Katrin Wemhöner. The other 24 balls are just as big, but much lighter and come in red, green, yellow or blue. "This opens up further possibilities," reveals the teacher. For example, by linking the different colours to specific tasks. In addition, the lighter weight of the balls makes it easier for the children to catch them and takes away the fear of being hit by one. "The use of soft foam balls minimises the risk of injury," adds the sports teacher.
In addition to these soft foam balls, the package also includes ten rainbow-coloured plastic play balls, which the children can borrow during the breaks. And there was also a special soft football for each of the ten classes. The children also use these during the breaks to really let off steam. "Our break-time lending centre is equipped with lots of different play equipment and is very popular with the children. Playing ball and football is particularly popular with many girls and boys. Accordingly, the children were very happy about the new balls," reports Katrin Wemhöner. "It doesn't take much to motivate children to exercise," summarises Stephanie Orlik.
The Regenbogenschule example is representative of many opportunities that are underestimated at first glance. And of course for the broad spectrum covered by the "Play your game" campaign. In fact, there is only one condition here: SWG's grant must be used to help children or young people develop a greater enjoyment of exercise again. Where this happens - at school, kindergarten or in a club - is irrelevant. The sporting level is also completely irrelevant.
Applications and all important information: www.swg-spieldeinspiel.de