Inclusion Quality Mark celebrated its first fully Inclusive Sports Day at Yew Tree Academy in Halewood on 24th June. This innovative Sports Festival brought children together from across nine different schools (Primary, Secondary and Special Schools) to enjoy participating in a fantastic sporting event which focused on accessibility, celebrating diversity and ultimately, having fun. All children were able to take part, including those with complex special educational needs and disabilities.
This inclusive event aimed to break down any barriers and change the narrative of traditional sports days in schools. Although there are many separate, adaptive sporting competitions which children with physical disabilities are invited to compete in, there are not many events which enable all children to take part together. Children from all backgrounds, those with or without special educational needs and disabilities, a mix of age ranges, and representatives from schools across the North West of England and North Wales, were all included in the sporting competition. The children all participated in the same events to enjoy sporting activities within a friendly competitive atmosphere. The emphasis was on taking part, teamwork, enthusiasm, respect and celebrating each other’s achievements.
The event was organised by Inclusion Quality Mark, a nationally-recognised awarding body who support inclusive practice in schools across the country to improve children’s educational experiences and transform their life chances. The IQM Ambassadors commented that “the Sports Festival has been a great success. It was inspiring to see how well the children from the different schools collaborated and how accepting they were of each other”. Staff and pupils from across nine schools, who are all recognised through the IQM Award as Centres of Excellence and Flagship Schools, participated in the festival.
Children from Yew Tree Primary Academy in Halewood, Knotty Ash Primary School in Knowsley, Ysgol Bryn Elian Secondary School in North Wales, Delamere Special School in Trafford, Faith Primary School in Liverpool, St Bede’s Catholic Junior School in Cheshire, Christ the King Catholic Primary School in Wavertree, The Valley Community Primary School in Bolton , Holy Cross Catholic Primary School in Birkenhead enjoyed participating in the varied activities led by Panathlon and Sports Coaches from Everton in the Community. Activities enjoyed by the participants included Boccia, curling and sit-down basketball. The Sports Festival was a huge success and all involved thoroughly enjoyed the day. All children received medals and certificates to recognise their participation.
The fully inclusive Sports Festival enabled children of any age, background or ability to participate together in a fun, enjoyable way. The Head of Physical Education from Ysgol Bryn Elian commended the event, stating
“it has been a fantastic experience for our pupils, working collaboratively in a wide range of physical challenges which has offered opportunities to develop team work and togetherness”.
The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator from St Bede’s Catholic Junior School celebrated the success of the day, saying
“we have all had a fabulous time” and “it was lovely for our children to try so many new sports, which have really encouraged their character strengths, especially cooperation, respect, teamwork and enthusiasm”.
