Children and adults enjoyed a day of sports specially designed to allow everyone to take part.
At Wokingham’s Festival of Inclusivity, people with learning disabilities, physical difficulties, or none, were able to meet together for a day of friendly games.
Games of basketball, cricket, football, hockey, and rugby were played, along with a one mile running challenge.
The specific aim of the event, run by Sport Together Berkshire CIC, was to include everyone.
Richard Dolenski, a director of the charity, said: “The day was fantastic, and such an encouragement to see people enjoying the activities.
“One young lad, who arrived with an adult, was so excited to take part that he was straight away running up the slope to meet the other participants.
His grown up companion couldn’t keep up with him.
“The boy’s commitment to join in and his excitement was awesome to see.”
Around 100 people took part in the games during the course of the day, with many of them trying new sports — in a new way.
“For example, people played wheelchair tennis,” explained Mr Dolenski.
“It was great to watch, and allowed everyone to play on an even footing,
“My only wish is that the event had been longer, and that the weather had been a little kinder.”
Festival sponsor Absolute Mobility held duck-themed games, the company’s mascot being a rubber duck.
The group says that encouraging individuals with physical disabilities, learning or neurological conditions to engage with sporting activities can have profound physical and mental health benefits.
“When everyone can engage without discrimination, it promotes overall well-being, reducing the risk of obesity, depression, and other health issues.
“The festival demonstrates what people can achieve if they are given the opportunity,” they said.
Sports Together Berkshire CIC organised a similar event earlier in the year, in Palmer Park.
“We wanted to see, then, whether there was an appetite, or a need for this kind of sporting event,” said Mr Dolenski.
“Clearly there was, and we will do this again.
“The charity is in its infancy just now, but it will grow, and we’re forming good partnerships with other groups and businesses.
“These are really exciting times for people with a disability, both young and old.
“Events like this really take the DIS out of disability, and show what these athletes can do.
“We’re out to challenge people’s perception and put the emphasis on ability.”
Mr Dolenski thanked everyone who helped to make the event a success, including all the facilitators, and coaches from Reading Football Club and Reading Rockets, who he said provided high class coaching.
For more information email: [email protected].
The charity’s website is currently under reconstruction, but once reopened, can be visited at: https://sport2getherberks.org/
