DISABILITY4SPORT REBOOTS FUN INCLUSIVE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AT EASTER

The power of inclusive sports and fun social activities inspired children, young people and local families to #GetActive following the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

 

Disability4Sport, in partnership with Active Essex and Essex County Council, offered free holiday activity clubs for children and young people at PlayFootball Colchester – one of the outdoor venues opened again from Monday 29th March. Qualified sport coaches and volunteers with experience of inclusive sports gave everyone an opportunity to take part in a range of sporting activities and fun games including American football, multi-sport Olympics, volleyball, football & many more activities throughout the day.

 

Rhys Commins, Coach Development Officer at Disability4Sport said: “Disabilty4sport was passionate about creating an inclusive youth sports camp during Easter in light of the easing of the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. The camp allowed young people of all abilities to come together and get active, learn and develop new skills, and transfer those skills into team building games. The coaches were particularly impressed by the way the children came up with their own mini games and challenges, working as a creative group and producing some great activities. Many children came into the camps on the first day, very anxious and uncertain. But after a warm welcoming and some staff encouragement, they relaxed, took part and certainly left on the last day with big smiles and wanting to come back again.”

 

The holiday activity club was targeted at school children with special educational needs and disabilities, and those on pupil premium or needing some additional support due to the coronavirus. Each day included a free healthy pack lunch from Jolls Rolls Deli Braintree and recipes food packs for local families from Colchester and Tendring.

 

Lorraine Turnbull, a parent whose daughter attended the holiday club said: “My daughter had a brilliant time, and the club was great for her confidence and self-esteem. She came home buzzing every day, so thank you so much to the Disability4Sport team.”

 

As part of the ‘Reboot Your Life – and feel good’ campaign, Disability4Sport offers Something4Everyone through their inclusive activities that promote a level playing field and positive experiences for disabled people.

 

Abigail Saxon, Director at Disability4Sport said: “Lockdown has been particularly difficult for people with disabilities, especially around keeping active and feeling happy. And the business has struggled financially over the last year, so we are asking the local community to support our new Pay It Forward scheme. Our shareholders are the members and families that we support, and all profit goes back into the local community. We operate a circular system where profit from Affordable Membership fees and Pay It Forward donations go towards our Inclusive Activities for those who usually cannot afford to Join The Team.”

 

Cheryl Darnell, Trustee at Colchester Children’s Charity Appeal for Disabled Children said: “My daughter Ellie attended the holiday activity club, and we were really impressed with the inclusive staff and activities, plus the free lunches and recipe food packs for children and families. To support the Pay It Forward scheme, we have donated £500 towards future Disability4Sport clubs.”

 

A summer half-term waiting list for the holiday activity clubs is now open for new members by visiting www.disability4sport.co.uk/signupnow and selecting team “Youth Holiday Activities Colchester’. Disability4Sport rebooted their youth and adult weekly inclusive activities on Good Friday so sign up now and Join The Team.