Athletic School Sport Days have been held for all pupils with learning and/or physical disabilities in both primary and secondary schools. After the success of last year’s secondary school sports morning with more than 40 children participating, Manx Sport and Recreation, in conjunction with the Island’s Special Educational Needs Units (SEN Units), facilitated individual school sports days for both primary and secondary SEN units last month. The sports morning included a range of track, field and jumping events catering for all ages and abilities. Zoe Carney, the Disability Sports Development Officer, along with highly qualified Manx Sport and Recreation coaches facilitated weekly athletic training sessions to all schools across the Island. These weekly athletic sessions were continued this year and adapted for a wide range of disabilities in a fun and inclusive environment. Through the ongoing support from Barclays Wealth, the Sports Development Unit could facilitate two school sports days this year which enabled more than 150 children to take part. Barclays Wealth provided volunteer staff to help support both athletics events – this was greatly appreciated and helped make the day run smoothly and efficiently. In addition to the volunteers, Barclays provided each child with a coloured T-Shirt, medal and certificate for all their achievements. Stuart Nelson, Head of Community Affairs at Barclays Wealth said: ‘It is with great pleasure that Barclays has been involved with this initiative. The work the Manx Sport and Recreation team have done is invaluable, and we are delighted to support them. These events are greatly important to us and we even had several members of our staff volunteering at both the School Sport Days.’ Hon David Cretney MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure commented: ‘This was a fantastic initiative which provided children with disabilities an opportunity to get involved in athletic events. It was great to see children from all over the Island taking part in a fun, inclusive and friendly festival.’ Both events took place at the National Sports Centre athletics stadium and will now continue on annual basis. ENDS