Shobnall hosts Special School stars

Athletes from the county's special schools were the stars of the day as Shobnall Leisure Centre hosted Sport Across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent's (SASSOT) Special Schools Sports Festival on Wednesday the 2nd of July.

Over 200 pupils from 12 of the County's Special Schools enjoyed a day to remember at the Sport Across Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Special Schools Sports Festival. The event took place at Shobnall Leisure Complex, Burton upon Trent and was sponsored by Qualitel Business Telecoms Specialists. The event provided a day to celebrate sport and to develop pathways for pupils to continue to participate in sport outside the school environment.

The athletes took part in coaching sessions and competed in events including zone hockey, tag rugby, cricket, football and athletics as the recent poor weather gave way to sunshine and smiling faces.

During the lunch interval, the athletes and supporters were treated to a hand-cycling demonstration by former GB Paralympian, Marcus Asbury. Marcus, who works as a Sports Development Officer, has had first hand experience of competing at the highest level in the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992. "Today has been all about participation. Despite disabled children experiencing a number of barriers, there are still opportunities, in terms of sport, for access and inclusion" he commented. "Who knows? We may have seen a budding 2012 Paralympics medal winner in the making here today."

The Mayor of East Staffordshire, along with a number of civic dignitaries from across the county, attended the festival and made a number of presentations to the successful teams. Councillor Liz Staples, Mayor of East Staffordshire commented, "The whole concept is exciting and worthwhile. It helps to bring children together for team sports and hopefully generates interest in sport that will last a lifetime."

The enjoyment on the faces of the young athletes was clear, especially those of the Tag Rugby team from Two Rivers School, Tamworth who won the Tag Rugby Competition for the fifth consecutive year.

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