Gym Shorts

Why Do I Have to Ask to Be Included?

Gym Shorts

Show Notes

On this episode, we hear from Jacob, a youth advocate for disability-inclusion in sports. Needing to advocate for his own inclusion in the gym from a young age, Jacob shares the importance of educators listening to their students and actively making space for students who would otherwise stay on the margins. This episode was hosted by Andrea Haefele, Curriculum Consultant at Ophea. This episode was produced by Mike Meehan. The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang, a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang, a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Disability-Centred Movement: Supporting Inclusive Physical Education Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Disability-Centred Physical Education (PE) and Sport Disability-Centred Safety About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox!

More from Gym Shorts

Oct 20, 2026

On this episode, we meet Jennie, a longtime French educator who discovered a passion for coaching upon moving to Canada. Originally from the UK, Jennie’s relationship to physical education drastically changed when she was assigned an H&PE class in an elementary school. Jennie shares how her students supported building her confidence, helping her to grow as an educator, coach, and parent. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. This episode was was produced by Mike Meehan. The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang. Resources & Links: Play for All: Strategies for Inclusive Intramurals H&PE Elementary Resources About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox!

Oct 13, 2026

On this episode, we meet Andrea, who shares her experience growing up as both a performer and an athlete. Forced to choose between her physical and creative interests, Andrea thinks of a world where students can explore and find balance between all their interests, while caring for their physical, mental and emotional health. Resources & Links: Healthy Schools Recognition Project Engaging Students in Healthy Living Through Drama Play for All: Strategies for Inclusive Intramurals

May 19, 2026

On today’s episode we hear from Deniece, a teacher, academic, and athlete who shares her reflections on finding her identity outside of high-performance recognition and awards. She highlights the importance of building connections and educators getting to know their students, to support their relationship with physical activity moving forward. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. This episode was was produced by Mike Meehan. The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang, a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario.

May 12, 2026

On today’s episode, we hear from Niviesha, who recounts leaving her office job for a career in teaching and how she lost, and regained, her community along the way. She shares her lessons learned from an influential high school Phys Ed. teacher who shaped her approach to teaching in today’s world. This episode was hosted by Andrea Haefele, Curriculum Consultant at Ophea. This episode was produced by Mike Meehan. The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang, a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang, a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy in Health and Physical Education H&PE Online Learning 50 Fitness GIFs Ready, Steady...Balance! About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox!

Apr 28, 2026

On today’s episode, we hear from Yumi, a Health and Physical Education (H&PE) teacher candidate who shares her journey in creating her own path to physical activity that centers on belonging, respect, and inclusion. She explores the importance of disrupting gender dynamics, prioritizing marginalized students, and refusing to accept the status quo. This episode was hosted by Tammy Shubat, Chief Strategy Officer at Ophea. Gym Shorts was produced by Mike Meehan. The theme song and music were written and performed by Ron Kelly. The Gym Shorts logo was created by Fred Galang, a secondary school educator in York Region, Ontario. Resources & Links Stop, Start, Consider!: Doing Gender-Inclusive Physical Education and Sport Emotional Safety Queer Skate Toronto York Skateboarding Academy Impact Skateboard Club About Gym Shorts Gym Shorts is a podcast from Ophea that explores the powerful and personal stories behind our earliest experiences in gym class. In each episode, we speak with guests about moments from school that shaped their future relationship with physical activity and well-being. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. Your support helps us grow and reach more educators, students, and change-makers. Want to connect with us and stay up to date on future Gym Shorts episodes? Sign up to get new episodes straight to your inbox!

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