Wednesday 16 August 2017

Sport teaches us

If you blinked during coverage of the recent World Championships in London, you may well have missed any mention of the concurrent Special Olympics GB National Games in Sheffield.  This movement, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968 enables athletes with learning (intellectual) disabilities to compete at national and international levels (there are limited events in the more well-known Paralympic Games).


A group from the pre-Registration Learning Disability Nursing Programme within the School of Health and Social Work attended the opening ceremony on Tuesday 8th August 2017 at Sheffield United’s football stadium Bramall Lane where 2,600 athletes from England, Scotland and Wales took part in the parade, witnessed the arrival of the Flame of hope which had passed through Hull a few days earlier and took their oath:

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Students Gemma Bellerby, Toni Boyne and Abby Downs write
“This was an incredible experience which allowed us to see the athletes being celebrated prior to attending their events.  Unfortunately due to the torrential rain it did put a slight dampener on the event but everyone made a fantastic contribution and kept up the team spirit.” 

Hayley Sharp and Ed Jones agreed:

"...it was such a shame about the weather but I believe we all still really enjoyed the evebing regardless!"

 “I really enjoyed it. It is great to celebrate the talents of people with learning disabilities.” 

The physical, psychological and social benefits of participation in sport are no secret.  We will complement and consolidate this experience with Sainsbury’s inclusive community training on Friday 18th August 2017, exploring creative ideas to support disable people to take part in physical activity and sport, learning about practical tools to support inclusive delivery. 

For more information please see this link or this one or contact Debbie Crickmore.

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