This month, I am approaching my reflections a little differently.
Earlier in June, I had the privilege of attending the Invincible Games, an event that prompted me to reflect deeply on the incredible journey we’ve been on as partners dedicated to making a significant difference in the lives of young people with disabilities in Essex.
The Invincible Games is a truly inspiring sports event where schools with special educational needs (SEN) students participate in inclusive activities like wheelchair basketball, boccia, and adapted volleyball. In this Olympic year, it was especially crucial to support the Multi-School Council, a legacy initiative from the London 2012 Olympics, in hosting such an inspiring event. The Multi-School Council was set up to break down perceptions towards children with SEND and mental health difficulties in schools and their wider communities, and I have loved watching our partnership grow and flourish over the years around supporting them on their physical activity focus.
Our Diversity Inclusion Action Plan, published earlier this year, outlines our commitment to inclusivity in Essex, something that is very close to my heart. By leveraging youth voice and our successful partnership with the Multi-School Council, we’ve opened doors and created new opportunities for young people with disabilities. We’ve embedded physical activity into the fabric of the Multi-School Council work, and in turn has taught us the power of youth voice in driving behaviour change. The collaboration has upskilled many teachers and school staff, equipping them with the knowledge and understanding needed to support and work with young people with SEN.
The video captured at the Invincible Games offers thoughtful and provoking comments from various attendees and system partners, vividly illustrating our collective impact on children and young people in Essex. For me, youth voice and leading decision making is really important, and something I wish to encourage more organisations across the system to undertake. The Invincible Games, and those that reflect on the event in the video below, truly outline the power of putting young people in the lead. Among the partners present were the Essex County Council Education Lead, Special Educational Need Physiotherapists, The Youth Sport Trust, Get Set Path to Paris, and more.
The enduring legacy of the London 2012 Games is clear, and I am hopeful that the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will continue to inspire the next generation in Essex. Events like the Invincible Games, along with our successful partnerships, play a crucial role in our ‘Fit for the Future’ strategy. This strategy embodies our collective commitment to ensuring every child has the best start in life, whereby they are active, healthy and happy.
As we look to the future I remain steadfast in our mission to support and uplift every child and young person, ensuring they have the inclusive opportunities to get active, engage with sport, and thrive.
