• Hume Star
• Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford Star
• Whittlesea, Mernda, Doreen Star

By Michael Esposito

23rd February 2010 11:05:49 AM

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Entertaining lesson … Jim Asimakopoulos with Broadford Primary School students. 43039 Picture: EMILY LANE

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JIM Asimakopoulos had Broadford Primary School students in hysterics when he let out an almighty scream and pretended to flee from them in his wheelchair.

He was making a point about society’s attitudes towards people with disabilities.

“Don’t be scared of me, I won’t bite you,” he reassured the grades 5 and 6 students last week.

“I’m a kind person."

Jim has cerebral palsy, but that hasn’t stopped him from leading a richly rewarding and fulfilling life.

He is happily married and works for the Department of Education as the manager of the abilities and disability awareness program.

His message to the children at Broadford was that people should focus on what they can do, not on what they can’t.

The Order of Australia medallist put on a highly entertaining presentation.

The students were captivated by Jim’s enthusiasm and sense of humour, and surprised by his football skills.

The classroom turned into a mini-football oval when Jim, a Richmond Tigers fanatic, kicked and handballed the footy with 40 eager students.

The children shouldn’t have been surprised. After all, Jim is a level 1 AFL coach and has led three school teams to premiership victory.

However amid the fun and laughter there were some serious messages.

“Don’t be fooled by my cerebral palsy, I am a very intellectual person,” he said.

“People think that just because you have a disability you are out of control. That is not true.”

But there was always an undercurrent of humour.

“It’s not my fault I have cerebral palsy. It’s not my fault I’m a handsome man and I’m irresistible.”

Jim said he plans to become a member of the Broadford Primary School council as an SRC representative.

He was recently on Seymour Primary School’s council board, advocating for students in Mitchell Shire.

Broadford Primary School principal Stephen Pink has been Jim’s friend for 20 years.

“Jim is extremely passionate about student wellbeing,” Mr Pink said.

Mr Pink said Jim’s role at the primary school would most likely involve meeting with the student leaders and passing on their ideas for school improvement.

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