On September 23rd, 2018, the very first parent-child soccer game hosted by Chinese Autism Awareness Centre (CAAC), in association with Toronto Chinese Soccer Association was a huge success. This event provides an opportunity for autistic children’s gross motor (larger movement) skill development.
The season finally comes to the calm and welcoming time of the fall. The best time for a fun and great outdoor activity for families of all. It was not only for families to learn the beautiful game of soccer, but an opportunity for the children and their parents to enjoy nature.
Great thanks to Toronto Chinese Soccer Association who contributed their passion and love during their busy schedule. Though this event was planned on such a short notice, a total of ten families had pre-registered and ten children age 1.5 to 9 coming from six families joined the two and half hours soccer game. They run. They laugh. They play ball. Through movements of running, kicking, passing, and aiming for a goal, autistic children can benefit from body coordination with a sense of teamwork. Our design of the activity also has a focus on parent children interaction where parents are actually in the game as well.
Many thanks to Bill Chan, an experienced and extremely patient and loving coach. We also want to thank Mr. Xie Zhen Han (President of Toronto Chinese Soccer Association) and Mr. Leung, who provided prize and gift for our little players. Last but not least, warmest appreciation goes to each and every one of our volunteers.
A testimony from a parent: It was a wonderful event today. Nice weather. CAAC invited a professional coach to teach these children. The children learn great lessons of cooperation and communication in addition to physical training. Every child got a prize at the end . They loved it.