On Thursday 10th March a group of students from Learning Support attended a WheelPower Sports Festival in Colchester. The day involved a wide variety of activities ranging from wheelchair cricket to boccia, table tennis, volleyball and tennis. This amazing event was organised, funded and staffed by the Rotary Club of Colchester. The Rotary volunteers were so helpful and friendly from the moment we pulled up in the car park, to the minute we left. It was also fantastic to have specialised coaches leading the sessions and engaging the students so well. This great event allowed the students the opportunity to take part in activities to which they may not usually have access.

At first a few students were hesitant and nervous about using the sports wheelchairs (NO BRAKES!) provided by WheelPower, but soon they were thoroughly enjoying themselves and taking part in a game of cricket. The morning also included boccia and table tennis sessions. These sessions became extremely competitive and it was great to see our students competing alongside other students and really enjoying themselves. Following a packed lunch (provided by Rotary), outside in the sunshine, the afternoon sessions were tennis and volleyball.

It was an amazing experience for all the students and brilliant for them to be able to take part in so many different sports. All the students left feeling very tired but happy at having made some new friends. It was lovely to receive feedback from Dave King of the Rotary Club commenting, “They were delightful – really nicely behaved and having arrived slightly hesitant they left tired but exhilarated”. Well done to Rebecca Latham, Jack Latham, Oliver Jack, Theo Eiliazadeh and Daaniya Ahmad.

Quote of the day from one of our students; “this is the best day’s fun I’ve ever had”.

Thank you so much to the Rotary Club of Colchester for generously hosting such a fantastic event – and thank you to WheelPower for their support.