Fun filled sports day for children with disabilities

Evelina London’s community physiotherapy team, part of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, hosted a sports day packed with disability inclusive sports for children and young people.

Launched in 2014, the day helps patients aged 5 to 17, who have a variety of disabilities, and their families, to get involved in local inclusion sports across Southwark and Lambeth.

Activities at this year’s event included dance, football, karate and cricket.

The participants were also joined by international Paralympic athlete, Anthony Bryan. Anthony had a brain tumour and stroke when he was 6 years old, and went on to win 2 gold medals at the World Games in 800 metres and 1500 metre race. He shared his experiences and motivations with the children and young people, inspiring them to pursue their passion in sports.

Katie, carer to Harvey and Vivi, who attended the event said:

I wanted to express my gratitude for putting on today’s event. Harvey absolutely loved it, he tried all sports and really gave him a boost in confidence, his sister Vivi enjoyed it too.

 

"We both found the talk from Anthony very inspirational and he hasn’t forgotten the word and meaning behind ‘resilience’.

23 children along with parents and carers attended the free day funded by Evelina London Children’s Charity. The taster sessions are provided by host teams who provide disability-inclusive sports for children, including Surrey Cricket Foundation and Fulham FC Foundation.

The community physiotherapy team give specialist assessment, advice and treatment for babies, children and young people across Lambeth and Southwark. They support with a range of areas including mobility and motor support, along with helping with access to play, sports, and learning.

Melissa Sharrad, community physiotherapist said:

The sports day is such a wonderful way to bring children and young people with disabilities together to try lots of different sports.

 

"It both encourages them to try new sports, which supports their fitness and strength, but also grow their confidence.

Visit Access Sport , Fulham FC Foundation, and Surrey Cricket Foundation for more information about disability inclusive sports across London and the surrounding counties.