UCF Scholarships for two people
Lolly Jar Circus (LJC) was founded in Adelaide 4 years ago to provide young people 3-25, including those with physical or intellectual disabilities or socially at risk, the opportunity to improve their physical, emotional and social fitness whilst having fun learning circus tricks.

Current participants have Down Syndrome, Autism and Cerebral Palsy and are fostered due to traumatic childhoods, along with able siblings and friends. They warm-up, stretch, balance individually and in groups, hula hoop, stilt-walk and juggle. They become fitter, stronger and more flexible. They face fear and failure with encouragement and their successes are celebrated. Many of these young people had no friends before LJC.

• Melissa, 16 with Down Syndrome and Autism:  Melissa’s social, performance, gross motor, participation and circus skills, as well as her confidence, have improved each week. For the first time ever, she has her own long-term goal, to be able to perform with her little brother Charlie who has been very ill. Charlie has just started Little Lollies pre-school classes, so hopefully one day Melissa’s goal will be reached. (Danielle)

• Max 9, and Mairead 7, with Autism:  My son has increased his confidence and physical abilities, his social skills, language and communication. He feels valued and a part of the group. My daughter has continued to develop her social skills and improve her ability to communicate with the group and understand instructions. (Celia)

• Amelia, 10 with Autism:  Amelia has made some great leaps in her personal development and growth. She has built her social skills of how to wait, share and give other children space when they need it. She has become much better at listening to her teachers and following their instructions. (Rebecca)

In 4 years Lolly Jar Circus has grown from one class/week at one venue, to 7 classes at 3 venues, with 2 new classes in the socially-disadvantaged area of Elizabeth set to begin in 2018.

Lolly Jar Circus applied to UCF for $2,000 to award year-long scholarships to two participants who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend. The actual cost of a class, taking into account trainer wages and venue hire , is $25 per participant, and in 2018 there will be 40 weeks of classes.

The aim of the project would be to allow 2 young people with disabilities or at risk who would otherwise not be able to afford them, to attend LJC classes for a year and gain fitness, health and confidence and make friends in a happy, supportive atmosphere.

This benefits them, their families and carers and the wider community.

The UCF directors were pleased to approve this application and asked that the scholarships be awarded to participants who were new to LJC.

In addition we’ve asked for photos of the scholarship recipients when chosen so that we can introduce them to you 🙂