Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre hosts the London Youth Games' launch of the Adapted Inspire Festivals for Young Disabled Londoners
Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre played host to the exciting launch of the London Youth Games' new series of Adapted Inspire Festivals, marking a milestone in the drive to make sport more accessible for young disabled Londoners.
The event brought together 230 participants from 23 schools across 13 London boroughs for a day of inclusive sporting opportunities that reflected the Games' ethos of accessibility, inclusion and opportunity for all. All participants had a disability and 70% were from ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Across the day, participants enjoyed 30 minute taster sessions in 15 adapted and Para pathway sports.
One participant from St Angela’s Ursuline School in Newham said: “I had such a great time trying all sports that I have not tried before and was so happy to score a goal in football.”
Nearly a third of disabled children are still missing out on the benefits of being active, according to Sport England. Disabled young people are less likely than non disabled peers to feel confident in sport, enjoy it, or believe it is “for people like them”.
Adapted Inspire Festivals are designed to change this, creating enjoyable experiences of activity and offering clear pathways into local sport. Each participant is signposted to community clubs and activities are tailored to each participants’ disability or impairment(s).
Michael, Head of PE at School 21 in Newham, added: “Watching students with a huge range of abilities experiencing such an amazing venue and a large range of inclusive activities was fantastic. We’ve already started new conversations about working with coaches we met on the day - the networking has been amazing.”
The series is proudly supported by Chaotic Community and the Greater London Authority, whose backing enables London Youth Games to expand its Para programme and ensure accessibility across the capital.
Katie Berry, Interim CEO, said: "These festivals centre around inclusion and opportunity for all - everything the London Youth Games stands for. By providing accessible sport, we are inspiring generations and empowering young people to discover and enjoy sport for life.”
Rachel Seddon, General Manager at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, added: “Hosting the launch of the Adapted Inspire Festivals at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s inspiring to see so many young people, regardless of their ability, enjoying sport in a way that is tailored to them. This event really shows our commitment to making sport more inclusive and accessible. It’s not just about giving them a chance to play, but about helping these young athletes believe in themselves and know that sport is for everyone.”