01.09.2005

Parents, carers and teachers of young people with disabilities and special needs and the young people themselves often express concern about the lack of sporting and recreational opportunities open to them.

The Young People's Inclusive Sports Festival being held on Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd September at the University of Brighton's campus at Eastbourne is the continuation of a serious and committed attempt to improve the situation.

Organised by East Sussex County Council's PE and Sports Development Service Team in conjunction with the sports development teams at Rother and the other Districts and Boroughs in the County, the Sports Festival is a focus for young people to learn and enjoy themselves in a fully inclusive and supportive sporting environment. Students from mainstream secondary schools and community colleges will work together with pupils from special schools in a number of sports.

On the Wednesday, Netball/Basketball, Hockey, Rugby and Football will be the order of the day. Thursday will see the young people take part in Unihoc, Boccia, New Age Curling, Polybat, Goalball and table top games. Each activity will be supervised by the Community Sports Leaders from the three East Sussex Sports Colleges under the guidance of sports specific development officers and qualified coaches.

It is predicted that on the Wednesday over 120 young people with mild learning difficulties and hearing impairment will take part and on the Thursday, 60 pupils with more profound impairments will participate. Both days will be supported by 18 young sports leaders from Beacon Community College, Hailsham Community College and William Parker Sports College. Every pupil and sports leader taking part over the two days will be given a certificate to be presented in the school at a later date.

Councillor Keith Glazier, Lead Member for Adult and Children's Services at the County Council, said: "I am very much looking forward to the Inclusive Sports Festival in September and on behalf of the Children's Services Department in anticipation of a highly successful two days, I would like to acknowledge the tremendous support of our local authority partners and also the University of Brighton for allowing us to use the sports facilities at the Eastbourne campus."

Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022