SPORTS EVENT FOR COLLEGE LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES IN ELLESMERE PORT

150 young people with special educational needs and disabilities from 12 colleges came together on 25th May at Ellesmere Port Sports Village in Cheshire for the Natspec Games hosted by Petty Pool College.

Track and field, Boccia, archery, tag rugby and cricket were just some of the activities enjoyed by college teams at the sports event that is supported by Sport England and AoC Sport and run in different parts of the country every year by specialist further education membership association, Natspec.

The event provides young people with a variety of inclusive sporting opportunities to take part in whilst encouraging fun and giving participants a platform to show off their sporting skills and abilities.

Chief Executive of Natspec, Clare Howard, comments:

“We are delighted that Petty Pool Vocational college stepped forward to deliver one of this year’s Natspec Games events. The Games have been going for 6 years now and having a venue like Ellesmere Port Sport Village is a massive boost as it allows for students to take part in a range of different activities. We know that physical activity and sport has benefits way beyond physical health, as the research indicates it supports communication, deepens friendships and social structures, is educational in a range of ways and helps with mental health too.” 

This years’ Games was organised by Petty Pool College which is based in Sandiway, Cheshire and provides vocational courses for over 110 young people with learning disabilities and difficulties. Learners from the college designed and made the trophies to give out to all colleges that attended using 3D print technology.

Director of Curriculum and Planning at Petty Pool College, Gareth Edwards, comments:

“Sport and fitness are essential parts of the curriculum and of our learners’ health and wellbeing, so it’s been great to get so many young people involved in this big sporting occasion. Participants really gave their all and the atmosphere was fantastic. The energy and enthusiasm from visiting college teams really made the day special.”

For more information about Petty Pool College please visit:

www.pettypool.org.uk

To learn more about the Natspec Games see:

www.natspec.org.uk/services/natspec-games

Pictured - L-R Jack McKay, Liam Hughes, Ellie Wrench and Lily Mae-Johnson.