Evelina London hosts sports camp for children with disabilities

Alamine at our football sports camp

Evelina London’s annual sports camp, run by the community physiotherapy team, has taken place in venues across Lambeth and Southwark. 

Activities at the summer sports camp include dance, football, boxing, cricket and sailing. Launched in 2014, the camp helps patients aged five to 17, who have a variety of disabilities, and their families, to get involved in local inclusion sports. 

Alamine, 10, from Lambeth, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when he was two and has been treated at Evelina London ever since. Alamine’s left side of his body is affected, which is known as left hemiplegia. This causes weakness, stiffness and a loss of control on one side of the body, which can make everyday tasks challenging.

Alamine’s parents, Lamine and Grace, said: “The sports camp has been great for Alamine. He has taken part in every activity and loved it – football was his favourite of course!”

Laura Thompson, a physiotherapist in our community team, said: “The camp is a great way to encourage children with disabilities to not only participate in sports but to improve their strength and fitness and build their self-confidence. The sports camp is a fun way for children to try a number of different sporting activities in a supportive and welcoming environment.”

“The sports camp is always very popular and we received positive feedback from families who attend. The children particularly enjoyed this year following a year of restricted activity.”

Thanks to the supporters of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, who have helped to fund the sports camp.