CHILDREN with disabilities and special needs made a splash during a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their school at a prestigious Olympic venue.
Pupils from Doucecroft School, Eight Ash Green, and Milldene Primary, Tiptree, headed to the London Aquatics Centre where famous Olympic and Paralympic athletes competed in London 2012.
They took part in the Essex Primary Discovery Swimming gala, organised by national charity Panathlon which opens the door for disadvantaged children to take part in competitive sport.
The fun-filled action featured skills-based challenges as opposed to races, focusing on increasing water confidence and getting children active.
Making a splash - pupils from Milldene Primary enjoyed swimming at the London Aquatics Centre
“Due to lockdown, the children haven’t been able to swim because even the school pool has been closed. It’s one activity our children really, really used to enjoy,” said Andrea Griffiths from Doucecroft School, which went home with the gold medals.
“They have been so low at times during the pandemic because they’ve not been able to access activities they enjoy and play with their friends.
“So putting them in the pool together, cheering and supporting each other is absolutely brilliant for our children.
“Swimming helps regulate the pupils’ behaviour and they get so much out of it, so to re-introduce them to it in a competition like this where they don’t have to swim 25 metres – they just get to leave the school premises and have some fun – is a big thing for them.”
Making a splash - pupils from Milldene Primary enjoyed swimming at the London Aquatics Centre
Headteacher of Milldene Primary, which finished fourth, Susan Locke added: “We deliberately brought pupils from Years 1 to 5 because the Year 6s usually get the most opportunities in sport.
“This gala format enables us to choose a completely different set of children. They all have huge barriers and the majority certainly don’t go to private swimming lessons outside of school, so this is huge.
Team - pupils from Doucecroft School took to the water
“It’s not just the sporting activity that’s beneficial – it’s getting changed, looking after your kit, and getting to know other children outside of their friendship group.
“Chatting on the bus with children from different year groups will boost their confidence and language. It all translates positively back into the classroom.”
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