Autism Cook Islands began their first badminton session for the twelve-year-old and up age range on Thursday last week as part of the organisation’s constant strive to support kids with autism in the Cook Islands.

The kids at Autism Cook Islands (ACI) were down at the St Joseph’s hall on Thursday for their six-week badminton programme. Seven teenagers took part in the programme run by coach Hebrew Tom. The badminton programme hopes to help build their social skills and motor coordination as part of ACI’s Play Therapy Programme. The badminton programme is sponsored by Black Pearl Puaikura. 

To start with, they learnt the basics of badminton, becoming familiar with the game through the use of unpoppable balloons before switching to badminton shuttles.

“A couple of children have played before so have picked up the game very quickly and can play and interact with each other which is great to see as the goal is social interaction with each other that hopefully helps them in the mainstream,” Kat Jensen, programme manager for ACI said.

She shared how a couple others had never played before but were really keen. Isaiah Vano for example she said was such a joy to watch. His dad shared that they had no idea he would love badminton.

“This is why we try anything and everything to find their passion!” Jensen exclaimed.

Term three will be a busy time for the young kids with many events and activities organised by ACI, each designed to enhance their lives in a particular way. As well as badminton sessions every Thursday for the next six weeks, there will also be gymnastics every Saturday morning for the primary level year group.

Cook Islands Down Syndrome Association will also be joining in.  Autism CI also just began their six-week LEGO Masters Programme which took place for the first time last Thursday. The LEGO programme will continue for the primary level every Thursday after school as well as on Saturday morning for the 12 and up level.