Eaton school offers specialised CrossFit training

An Eaton school has become the first CrossFit-affiliated public school in the State and received $10,000 following a competitive international grant process.

As a result, Eaton Community College is now able to offer specialised CrossFit training to its students.

The $10,000 international grant, plus an additional $20,000 contributed by the school, allowed for state-of-the-art CrossFit equipment to be purchased for the ECC’s strength and conditioning centre.

Health and physical education teacher Craig Aldridge said the CrossFit program had been so successful that all six of the classes were at capacity, with additional sessions running at lunchtime.

He was hopeful the school would be able to offer more classes next term.

A good thing to come out of it is that our students with autism now have a class they feel comfortable participating in, as general PE classes are often too stimulating for their senses,

The program is used by students with autism as a way to help reduce stereotypical Autism Spectrum Disorder behaviours and also as an alternative physical education program.

“It’s a fantastic way to teach our students about life-long fitness, good exercise habits and as a way to promote self-esteem,” he said.

“In the short time the program has been running we have also seen improved confidence and improved school performance.

“ECC CrossFit is also be used for our specialist AFL, Netball and Basketball programs as our school continues to lead the way as a sport specialist school in the south west.”