More than 90 young people with disabilities had the opportunity to take part in a variety of inclusive activities with YMCA East Surrey on Friday 23 September.
Our second Surrey Super Sports day was hosted at the YMCA Sports and Community Centre in Princes Road, Redhill, as part of Reigate and Banstead’s ‘R&Be Active’ week, running from 18-25 September. The event involved teenagers from Woodfield School in Merstham, Sunnydown School in Caterham, The Park School in Woking, Bensham Manor School in Croydon and East Surrey College in Redhill.
Throughout the day, YMCA staff were aided by 26 young volunteers from East Surrey College to run sessions in Boccia, New Age Kurling, trampolining, cycling and seated circuits. The young people made their own sports medals and healthy fruit kebab refreshments.
Genia Michalak is a Woodfield School teacher, working with the Post 16 students:
“This experience is invaluable to our young people. Suitable sports facilities are limited in the local area and YMCA East Surrey provides a safe and welcoming environment outside of school where the students can enjoy appropriate activities in a different setting. They love the social side as much as the sporting side.
R&Be Active is the result of a collaborative approach by a group of organisations committed to making a positive impact on the lives of young people living in the borough. The aim is to encourage active lifestyles and educate young people to make informed choices in their future health and well-being.
Kamal Mehmood, Reigate and Banstead’s Partnership Coordinator, says, “YMCA East Surrey is a key member of the R&Be Active Partnership. The Super Sports Day is a highlight in the R&Be Active week and it was great to see so many young people getting involved, helping out and obviously taking so much from the experience.”
Following the event, John Brunswick, Inclusive Youth and Volunteer Projects Manager for YMCA East Surrey, said:
“This day is a chance for young people with disabilities to take part in a range of new activities and educate them about making sensible food choices. We are already looking forward to the next event and even more so when we can host it in the intended new Inclusive Sports facility which will give us the extra space we so desperately need.”
Find out more about YMCA’s inclusive activities for people with disabilities
