For the second consecutive year, the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure’s Sports Development Unit facilitated the Primary School Sports Day to over 60 children with disabilities.
 
Manx Sport and Recreation, in conjunction with Barclays, is continually working to improve the number of sporting opportunities made available for all children with disabilities across the Isle of Man. The School Sports day provided primary school children from all nine Special Educational Need Units (SEN Units) the opportunity to get involved in sport, learn key fundamental skills and sporting activities in a fun and inclusive environment.
 
From the ongoing support from Barclays, the Primary School Sports Day is now part of the annual disability school sports programme across the Island. 
 
Prior to the event, the Sports Development Unit facilitated weekly athletic training sessions to all primary SEN Units. These weekly training sessions were focussed on creating an environment suitable for a wide range of disabilities and individual needs. 
 
The donation from Barclays has helped to purchase new specialised equipment to ensure all children are made fully inclusive within the weekly training sessions and the school sports day.
 
In addition to the specialised equipment, Barclays also provided each child with a coloured T-shirt representing their school. Each athlete was awarded with a medal and certificate for all their achievements.
 
Since September 2011, Barclays volunteers have helped to facilitate the ongoing sporting festivals that are included within the disability school sports programme. This additional help is invaluable towards the smooth running of each event. Without the assistance of volunteers, the ongoing events could not take place. 
 
Photo: – Onchan School presented with medals and certificates from Barclays’ volunteers.