Special Schools Sportshall Athletics

The Special Schools Sportshall Athletics initiative provides children with the opportunity of participating in athletic events in an indoor setting with the emphasis very much on teamwork and fun.

The programme targets children with an intellectual disability attending either special schools OR special units within mainstream schools. The Special Schools Sportshall Athletics is tailored to the ability of those participating and therefore there are two categories of entry mild-moderate and severe.

A coaching programme facilitated by qualified local athletics coaches is offered to the selected schools. These coaches are linked to the local athletics clubs where possible and that they hold NGB qualification and are experienced athletics coaches.

Throughout the coaching sessions children develop the fundamental movement skills of agility, balance and coordination in a fun environment where they can participate at their own level. The culmination is a fun jamboree at which children get to participate in a series of eight fun events which have also been practiced during the coaching sessions. This jamboree can be hosted as a County or Regional event depending on participation numbers and stage of development of the programme.