Olympic spirit brings fun to Sunshine House

Sports camp athletes try curling.

Children with disabilities enjoyed a week of activities from the 15 – 19 August at the annual Sports Camp run by Evelina London community services.

Physiotherapy patients and their families were invited to take part in a range of sports including swimming, boxing, cycling and curling.

The sports featured at the camp were open to all so that children of all levels of ability could take part and their brothers and sisters could join in too.

One of the parents said: “I loved that the children got to try out so many sports that we saw in the Olympics,” and another said: “the kids were able to try out sports that they wouldn’t have thought of. It was great that they could try out new activities and meet new people.”

Boxing was a firm favourite, with children of all abilities learning to jab and cross at a non-contact session. Curling was also a hit. Specially designed poles that could be hooked onto the curling stones meant that children unable to get down to floor level were able to join in.

AnneMarie Rohwer, a paediatric physiotherapist who runs the event, said:

“We encourage all the children in our service to participate in sports. It improves strength and fitness but it also allows children to join in with the local community and can really build self-confidence.

“The sports camp gives parents and children the chance to try out different sports accessible to children with disabilities, and all of the sports we offer are available across the Lambeth and Southwark boroughs.

“Some of the children had never tried the sports on offer during the week and were delighted at how competent and able they really are.”

The Sports Camp ended with a medals ceremony for all the children who took part. They loved holding an Olympic-style torch made to mark the occasion.