SPORTING NRG Limited has been commissioned by Primary Schools in Blackburn with Darwen to host a program of disability sport events for children with special educational needs and disabilities, in Key Stage Two. All schools had the option of signing up to a School Games Package, co-ordinated by the School Games Organiser.

Monday, November 17, saw the first of the festivals hosted at QEGS, Blackburn. Supported by a team of five Young Sports Leaders from St Bede’s RC High School, and a team of coaches from Sporting NRG, the event attracted over 70 pupils from 12 different Primary Schools.

On arrival pupils took part in an opening ceremony, where they paraded around the hall in their teams – Great Britain, Europe, Americas and the Rest of the World. Pupils were divided into mixed school teams, supporting social opportunities and enhancing the team spirit.

After joining in with a mass warm up, each team then participated in a carousel of activities including; parachute games, inclusive longball, new age kurling and a picture trail. Pupils learned new skills while also learning to work as a team and gain points in each activity.

The event was concluded by a presentation where all participants received a certificate, and the winning team, Americas, all received a medal. Americas comprised of pupils from St Pauls Feniscowles, St Peters Darwen, St Thomas’, Meadowhead Juniors, St Francis’ and Roe Lee Park Primary.

Feedback received on the day from pupils was “fun, fun, fun’, ‘brilliant time’ and ‘I enjoyed the parachute’.

Mrs Campbell, from Roe Lee Park Primary commented ‘A fun-filled sporting morning enjoyed by all pupils and staff alike. Thanks again’ The next event is a Table-Top Games taster session in January 2015, which will be hosted at St Bede’s, Blackburn.

I would like to thank staff from Sporting NRG for their professionalism and the quality of their delivery. I would also like to thank Ebony, Louis, Lucy, Erin and Grace from St Bede’s who did a brilliant job assisting the coaches and working with the young people. It was great to see so many children have a good timeand getting active. I look forward to more inclusive events coming up in the New Year.

Andrew Mercer School Games Organiser.