County News

Disability Sport Folder Launch

Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent are proud to annouce the launch of the Disability Sport Folder.

This folder has been designed to enable the promotion of disability sport within the county. The idea is that inserts can be added, removed or updated by the holder so they can have their own easily accessible reference point.

This folder contains information that is also available on our website www.sportacrossstaffordshire.co.uk so diabled people, parents, carers etc now have more information being put out so hopefully they can find the activity that is right for them.

Disabled athletes showcase their talents

Over 40 highly talented disabled school pupils from Staffordshire took part in a County Athlete Assessment Day on 24th June, held at Fenton Manor Sports Complex, Stoke-on-Trent.

The young disabled children took part in a talent identification programme which aims to find the most talented sports people with a disability and offer them appropriate routes to develop their pathways into competitive sport at all levels.

Organised by Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent, this was the second day of its kind, which meant that the children had had the opportunity to put their skills to the test in athletics, football, wheelchair basketball and table tennis. Experienced National Governing Body (NGB) coaches guided the children through drills and activities and were responsible for selecting potential future talent. Former Paralympic athlete, Mark Fosbrook was also on hand throughout the day to talk to participants and offer them advice about developing in their sport.

The County Athlete Assessment days are part of the National Playground to Podium scheme which is led by Sport England, the Youth Sports Trust and ParalympicsGB. It aims to help create a clear and professional disability sport pathway from school sport through to club participation and on to elite performance.

Aiming High Disability Sport & Physical Activity Development Officer, said: "It was a fantastic day that gave young talented athletes with disabilities the opportunity to showcase their skills to NGB coaches."

Olympic Trio Inspire Young Disabled Sporting Hopefuls

Over 330 young disabled pupils from across Staffordshire arrived at Shobnall Leisure Complex, Burton-upon-Trent last Thursday for a day of sports coaching, activity and enjoyment. Children from special schools took part in six different sports including athletics, badminton, cricket, football, hockey and tag rugby where medals of achievement were won by all.

This annual event, which is organised by Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent (SASSOT), aims to encourage children to try new sports, learn new skills, enjoy being part of a team and build confidence. Former Paralympic athletes Marcus Asbury and Mark Fosbrook were also on hand throughout the day to talk to the children about their sport experiences as well as offering advice about developing in sporting. Marcus and Mark have both had first hand experience of competing at the highest level in the Barcelona and Atlanta Paralympics respectively. This year the youngsters also had the opportunity to shoot against former Olympic medallist, Alison Williamson, in an archery masterclass.

This event took place during National School Sport Week, the aim of which is to celebrate all that has been achieved in PE and School Sport and encourage all schools to raise the profile of PE and School Sport at a local level. The event also provides an opportunity to make children and parents aware of local community sport clubs and activities. SASSOT are facilitating this pathway to community sport by supporting clubs to become more inclusive and improve the skills and knowledge of sports coaches and volunteers.

Mark Thornewill, SASSOT Partnership Director was thrilled with the success of the day and said: "The Special Schools Sports Festival continues to go from strength to strength and provides a wonderful opportunity for young people with disabilities and special needs to participate in high quality sporting activities.

A massive thank-you to the National Governing Body of Sport coaches who provided excellent coaching on the day, school support staff and the event volunteers from Burton College, Stafford Grammar School and South Staffordshire College who helped the day to run smoothly. The real stars of the day are of course the young athletes and hopefully this event will help them achieve their future sporting dreams."

Photographs of individual schools are available on request. Please contact Leigh Morton, Tel 01785619349 or Email: lmorton@staffordbc.gov.uk

Results of the event are as follows:

Cricket: Winners - Loxley (East Staffordshire) / Fair Play - Fountains (East Staffordshire)

Tag Rugby: Winners - Two Rivers (Tamworth)

All other sports presented medals of achievement

SSSF Archery

Disability Multi-sports Club

Leek High School Sports Hall – Saturdays 9.30am – 11am

Starts 26^th June, Cost: £2.50 per week

Open to young people aged between 8 and 16 years

Our inclusive club gives young able and disabled people the opportunity to be fully included and experience a variety of sports.

To book complete the registration form and return to Zoe Harp : 01782 514641, email: zharp@btconnect.com

Click here to download registration form

Summer Dance Clubs

Tues 27^th, Thurs 29^th & Fri 30 July & Mon 16^th & Tues 17^th August @ Heathfield Special School, Chell Heath

Mon 9th to Fri 13th August @ Blackfriars Special School, Newcastle

Monday 2nd to Friday 6th August @ Leek High School, Leek

5-11 year olds (10am -12noon) & 12-16 year olds (1-3pm)

Cost: £2

Your child can attend as many as they want; they can attend for just one of the half days or all.

Please RSVP so we can gauge who is and who isn't interested. We will have to cancel the workshops if no one registers due to poor uptake.

We'd also like to remind you of our weekly Sat 'Arts' Hub and our after school dance workshops.

Thanks and Best Wishes, Rachael. Artistic Director.

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