Activity is for all, and Active Essex believe it’s important that there are opportunities available for children and young people who are living with a disability or long-term health condition.
This summer, Active Essex have continued to support inclusive schools at several events. Firstly, alongside the Multi-Schools, Council Active Essex hosted the Essex Special School Games at Basildon Sporting Village. This was a chance to bring over 300 students from 17 schools together, to take part in a wide range of activities from Boccia and Wheelchair Basketball to a competitive football tournament and Handball.
British Gymnast Courtney Tulloch opened the day with a compelling speech that helped to inspire all of those in attendance. Being able to bring together multiple partners from across the system, further enhances the way we approach our work, ensuring everyone is treated equally and fairly, and given the same opportunities to those in mainstream schools.
One teacher explained how great it was to see activity that was clearly and carefully tailored to the required needs of those taking part, with patient deliverers on hand to help the children succeed in each activity, leaving a smile on their face. They also explained that the way in which one of the activities was delivered, had influenced them to continue delivering it that way in their playground.
Later that week, members of the Active Essex team alongside a Coach Core apprentice, attended Braxted Park for the United by Diversity event created by the Multi-Schools Council. This was another chance to bring together children from Special Schools to provide them with the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, play instruments, learn about the Duke of Edinburgh challenge and other important life skills and potential career paths.
The activities that students could try included Javelin throwing, cricket, bowling, and bean bag throwing. Each activity provided, had an element of problem solving behind it that helped to engage the children for longer, when perhaps beforehand they may have got bored or restless. Being able to introduce the students to a different environment, is paramount to keeping them happy and comfortable.
Other recent inclusive events Active Essex have helped provide for schools were the Barclay’s FA Girls Football sessions that took place in April across three different locations in Essex. These sessions provided primary school girls with the opportunity to take part in Disney inspired football activities, which helped to engage girls with football in a way that was different to how they might normally do it at their school. These sessions were also presented to teachers at the PE and School Sport Conference, enabling them to use these resources in their schools and get more girls into football.
Active Essex have also continued partnership with Panathlon to provide a range of opportunities both at local and county level throughout Essex, for children and young people in mainstream schools with SEND and with Special Schools. This quarter saw four large Panathlon events take place which where Ten Pin Bowling, Extend Festivals and Girls Football.
Active Essex is passionate about ensuring there are fun, safe, inclusive, and positive experiences of physical activity and sport for children and young people across the county. Therefore, events and initiatives like this, are paramount to ensuring that every child can find the activity that’s right for them, something that our Find Your Active campaign champions. It’s important that we continue to work together to ensure physical activity and sport is inclusive for all, to positively impact the health and wellbeing of all children.
