East Sussex inclusive young people’s sports festival
You’re in! Young people with disabilities and special needs have an opportunity to take part in a County-wide sports event taking place at the University of Brighton’s campus at Eastbourne.
The Young People’s Inclusive Sports Festival being held on Wednesday September 21 and Thursday September 22 will give the youngsters a chance to participate alongside students from mainstream community colleges and secondary schools. Schools taking part include St Mary’s, Horam; Beacon Community College, Crowborough; and Hailsham Community College.
Organised by East Sussex County Council’s PE and Sports Development Service Team in conjunction with the sports development teams of Wealden and other districts and boroughs, the Sports Festival is a focus for young people to learn and enjoy themselves in a fully inclusive and supportive sporting environment. Students from mainstream secondary schools and community colleges will work together with pupils from special schools in a number of sports.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone to get involved and try a number new sports and variations of existing ones and get the most out of the sports festival,” said Councillor Mrs Margaret Kirkpatrick, Cabinet Member for Housing & Community Development on Wealden District Council.
Wednesday’s event include Netball/Basketball, Hockey, Rugby and Football Thursday will see the young people take part in Unihoc, Boccia, New Age Curling, Polybat, Goalball and table top games. Each activity will be supervised by the Community Sports Leaders, the three East Sussex Sports Colleges under the guidance of sports specific development officers and qualified coaches.
Over 120 students with mild learning difficulties and hearing impairment will take part on Wednesday; and on the Thursday, a further 60 pupils with more profound impairments. Both days will be supported by 18 young sports leaders. Every pupil and sports leader taking part over the two days will be given a certificate to be presented in the school at a later date.
Councillor Keith Glazier, Lead Member for Adult and Children’s Services at the East Sussex County Council, said: “We want this event to provide a platform from which to organise further events and festivals. Sports development officers from the local authorities are committed to supporting local voluntary organisations such as sports clubs to establish junior sections that will welcome all young people.
“I am very much looking forward to the Inclusive Sports Festival in September and on behalf of the Children’s Services Department in anticipation of a highly successful two days, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support of our local authority partners and also the University of Brighton for allowing us to use the sports facilities at the Eastbourne campus.”
