In Trafford, the School Games has been an important part of life for all schools and young people over the last 14 years. It is particularly valuable when meeting the needs of children with SEND.
How School Games brings opportunities to young people
Each year, schools across the borough are presented with multiple opportunities to participate in events that enable all young people to represent their school with enthusiasm and pride. This offer includes a number of inclusion specific events to which St Vincent’s RC Primary School have regularly brought a small group of children to participate at and benefit from. One pupil at St Vincent’s Primary School, Altrincham has been a constant fixture at these events representing her school at cricket, wheelchair rugby, boccia, curling, athletics and bowling. She has been an active participant in all of them, often winning medals and recognition for her school.
Making inclusion in school fun
The School Games promotes inclusive opportunities by adapting activities so everyone can take part, offering a wide range of sports, and creating supportive environments where pupils of all abilities, backgrounds, and needs can participate. It focuses on fun, teamwork, and personal improvement, making sure that no one is left out, rather recognised for their unique skills.
The spark
That initial taste of success and the joy of sharing it with peers, set the stage for a significant shift in pupil’s confidence.
“My first memory is playing bowling with my friends. I had so much fun… and we all won medals!”
For this pupil at St Vincent’s Primary School, Altrincham, the School Games opened a world of opportunities. Their journey didn’t start on a standard running track, but at a bowling alley in Altrincham.
The power of resilience
The School Games isn’t just about the sports children already know; it’s about the courage to try things that are “a little bit tricky.” They faced their biggest challenge at Altrincham Football Club, not with a football, but with a Boccia set.
Boccia was a completely new concept for them. Rather than feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar rules, they used into the support and accessibility provided by the School Games Organisers.
• Adaptability: They used a slide/ramp to help navigate the game.
• Mindset: They focused on “trying their best” rather than perfection.
• Result: A sense of pride that comes from overcoming a hurdle rather than just winning a trophy.
“School Games has taught me to work with lots of different people. I think they are important because everyone can give it a go.”
The impact
While the physical benefits are clear, the young person notes that sport makes you “strong with muscles”, the true impact of the School Games has been social and emotional.
The impact has been more than just physical, being involved in School Games has provided a major boost in their self-esteem. By representing their school in inter-school competitions, their perspective on “school sport” has transformed into an adventurous one. They now view sports as an opportunity to visit new places and meet different people.
Looking to the future for students
With the support of teachers like Miss Morris, who consistently finds new games for students to try.
Their advice to peers across Altrincham and Trafford is simple: Give it a try. Whether it’s bowling, Boccia, or something else, the School Games in Trafford is proving that there is a place for every child.
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