Meet Dan Keefe, Director of Specialism, Clare Mount Specialist Sports College, Wirral
"At Clare Mount we use Paralympic sports like Sitting Volleyball and Goalball with all our pupils regardless of age, gender and ability, to develop their co-ordination, awareness and listening skills. The games offer great ideas to use in the curriculum, on transition days, in the playground, or as part of an inclusion programme.
These sports are fully inclusive and the kids love them because they are fresh and new. Having played them, the kids also better appreciate and value their differences.
If you haven’t considered introducing Paralympic sports, my advice to any teacher would be: ‘Give it a go!’ as the ‘How to play’ guide included in the free kit is really easy to follow.
You could also contact your local sports college, high school P.E. and sport specialist, or a sports development unit and ask if you can meet pupils who could be ‘Paralympic Ambassadors’ in future. Who knows, this could even lead to a Paralympic-themed local event in your area!"
Meet Liz Morgan, Deputy Head Teacher, Chadsgrove School and Specialist Sports College, Bromsgrove
"Chadsgrove School provides a fully inclusive curriculum engaging all pupils whatever their disability.
Our activities include Wheelchair Basketball, Powerchair Football, rebound and trampoline, skiing, ice skating and outdoor adventure. And we encourage all children from 2½ to 19 years of age to enjoy all sports that are suitable for their age group.
We’re also particularly passionate about giving our children the opportunity to take part in competitions and festivals at mainstream schools, to promote inclusion and active lifestyles.
That’s why the 1 million kids challenge is such a great idea. It helps to raise awareness about the Paralympic Games – a fantastic event, which shows just how inspiring disability sports are and what can be achieved!"
