‘Path to Paris’ is an inspiring initiative created by Get Set UK, in partnership with Team GB and Paralympics GB. The aim is to influence schools, families and local communities through the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games to get moving by travelling virtually to Paris, helping to encourage individuals to try new activities and most importantly, have fun!
After a successful bid, Active Essex were funded £10,000 from the British Olympic Foundation (BOF), to help increase physical activity levels in young people, through the promotion of the Path to Paris programme.
To launch Path to Paris, Get Set UK visited Tree Tops Free, a SEND school based in Thurrock, where a livestream was recorded of students showcasing three of the engaging ‘Path to Paris Power Up’ sessions that can be accessed once signing up. Aquatics GB Para Swimmer, and now Paris 2024 Gold Medallist Grace Harvey, supported the session by sharing her journey with the students through a Q&A session. The focus of the sessions on inclusivity were clear from the outset, with there being an emphasis on activities being able to be adapted to various abilities and needs. Hear from Grace Harvey here.
Working closely with the Multi Schools Council to focus on tackling inclusivity and improving diversity amongst participation, saw the successful Invincible Games come to life during the summer. The games welcomed 18 SEND provision schools across Essex come to compete, participate, and try out a range of inclusive activities including Boccia, Taekwondo, Kurling, Seated Volleyball and athletics. The impact of the day is decided by the students, who alongside the Mutli-Schools Council and Active Essex, through the power of youth voice, help decide on the sports/activities on the agenda throughout the day. Watch the day unfold here.
With with it being an Olympic and Paralympic year, they were offered the chance to take part in a number of Paralympic events, of which many of the students hadn’t tried before. GB Wheelchair Basketball player Siobhán Fitzpatrick was also in attendance, trying out several of the activities, as well us discussing her Paralympic hopes and how to overcome barriers into participation.
Off the back of the partnership with Path to Paris and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with two Bronze medals in the Women’s Canoe Slalom round her neck, Kimberly Woods attended an Essex ActivAte club located in Dovercourt, Clacton Kayaks, to speak about her experience of the games and what it takes to be an Olympian. During her inspiring visit, she headed out onto the water and took part in some kayaking with the children, who also asked her some questions about her inspiring Olympic journey.
Following on from the Path to Paris initiative, the summer Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF), run by Essex ActivAte, saw five clubs across the county offer children and young adults with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND), different taster sessions to try unique, inclusive sports, inspired by the Paralympics. More than 100 young people got stuck into activities such as archery, boccia, taekwondo and athletics, helping to increase their confidence and boost self-esteem as well as try something new! The activities that were offered were chosen by the young people that attend the HAF clubs to ensure the sessions were tailored to their specific wants and needs and delivered by local partners and organisations.
Some of the children at Mistley Kids Club who tried archery told us:
“It was so good! I managed to hit the target twice!”
“I really enjoyed doing archery the first time that I was so excited to be coming back to the club to do it again.”
Offering unique and inclusive sports such as boccia for children and young adults with SEND, encourages all to get involved and give it a go. From adapting ideas or using specialised equipment, can also help many with mobility problems and with the help of a carer to take part.
Active Essex looks to continue to work closely with Get Set UK moving forward and help to inspire more residents to get moving and try unique sports, encouraging our local communities to get active and find the right activity for them. Find out more here.
