VOICES MAGAZINE, Issue 5

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | October - November 2017 18 Dr. Kamilah Hylton(left), Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport with other delegates in attendance at the VIII International Congress on “Sport, People and Health” held in Saint Petersburg, Russia in October2017. D r. Kamilah Hylton, Dean, Faculty of Science and Sport was invited as guest and speaker at a plenary session of the VIII International Congress on “Sport, People and Health” held in Saint Petersburg, Russia from October 12-14, 2017. Dr. Hylton’s presentation titled, “Sports and Sport Science Education for Social Inclusion and Health – The Jamaican Experience” focused on a review of Jamaica’s use of sports and sport science education to achieve social inclusion and facilitate health. The presentation also highlighted work done by her Master’s student (MSc Physical Education and Sport) Van der Rowe which evaluated the impact of a science-based approach to physical education for students with special needs, ranging from intellectual disabilities, Down Syndrome and Multiple Sclerosis. The main scientific target of the Congress was “Unity of the Olympic Movement. Preservation of ethical values of the world sports,.” The Congress is held under the patronage of the Council of Europe with support from the International Olympic Committee, UNESCO, the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation, the Olympic Committee of Russia, the Government of Saint Petersburg. In her presentation Dr Hylton argued that Jamaica has historically done a good job of using sports for social inclusion – evidenced from the early 1960s with the birth of Boys Town and successes such as Bunny Grant and Collie Smith. She pointed out however, that this has traditionally been limited to marginalized youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds. “We have neglected those with special needs,” she said, calling for the greater use of a science- based approach to facilitate the use of sports to empower those with special needs to be better integrated into society. Dr Hylton cited a preliminary study which looked at 12 students at a special needs institution with conditions ranging from Multiple Sclerosis, Downs Syndrome, learning and physical disabilities. She reported that the researchers found that the group currently received only 30 minutes per week of exercise; many are cast to the side to just watch; minimal facilities available; some students were withdrawn and displayed aggressive behaviour. A programme was designed which took into consideration their needs. Netball, basketball and cricket were introduced and exercise was increased to 1 hour/2 days for per week. According to Dr. Hylton, resulting from these changes, “we noticed improved motor skills, improved social skills and greater ability to work in teams, while teachers noted improved behaviour in the classroom. The Faculty of Science and Sport through its Bsc in Sport Science and MSc in Physical education programmes will continue to facilitate research in this area. Dr. Kamilah Hylton Addresses Congress in St. Petersburg, Russia