Cambridgeshire schools Paralympics awarded gold

Nearly 70 young people with disabilities have taken part in a special Cambridgeshire schools Paralympic Games.

The annual sporting festival gave people aged between 9 and 19 the chance to compete in specially adapted events and celebrate the four values of the Paralympics – determination, equality, inspiration and courage.

The South Cambridgeshire District Council event yesterday (Thursday 19 October) saw young people from six schools in the county gather for the indoor event at Cambourne Village College.

The events ranged from relays and target throwing to sprinting and jumping with every event adapted to suit different abilities, so all participants could fully take part.

The sporting festival forms part of the countywide Ability Plus programme that promotes sport and active recreation for young people with a range of abilities.

Certificates were presented to children at the end of the day for the Paralympic and Olympic combined values of determination, equality, inspiration, courage, friendship, excellence and respect.

Cllr Sue Ellington, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “This event is one of a kind as it gives young people of all abilities the chance to come together and enjoy a day of sport. The most important part for us is that all the events are inclusive and allow people with differing needs to complete together and leave the day building new friendships. Everyone on the day demonstrated values of the Paralympics and Olympics and it was great to see so many people being active and enjoying themselves so much.”

South Cambridgeshire District Council run a range of sporting activities for people of all ages and abilities. For more information visit www.scambs.gov.uk/services/leisure.