YES@Richmond School is delighted to announce funding of £9,992 from the National Lottery Awards for All’s ‘Big Lottery Fund’, to support a series of inclusive community sport opportunities for young people with Development Coordination Disorder (DCD), from across the North Yorkshire, Co Durham and Teesside.
The bid, titled ‘Activities for All – A pathway for those with coordination difficulties’ was put together by Kath Lawson, Specialist Teacher, and Steffy Cappleman, Marketing Coordinator, who recognised that students with coordination difficulties do not regularly access sporting activities, not because of their difficulties but due to lack of opportunity and provision. Supported by The Youth Sport Trust, Stage1Cycles from Hawes, Richmond and The Dales Swimming Club, Richmond Leisure Trust, Pilates Teacher Anne Thorogood and Vic Sellers from Aspire Dance, the Yes@RichmondSchool team aim to highlight the importance of the availability of sports activities for all.
Comments Kath Lawson: “We are hugely grateful to the Big Lottery Fund for awarding us such a substantial grant to enhance our inclusive sports offer. It will make an immense difference to many young people, enabling them to access and take part in a range of sports, alongside their friends, while under the direction of highly-qualified sports leaders.”
Katy Storie, Ex-England Rugby International and Mentor at the YST, said: “I am really excited to be involved in this program as I personally have a great passion for ensuring everyone can access sport. This will give new opportunities to young people who felt that sport didn’t have a place for them and I hope this program will spark a legacy of ongoing participation.” Tessa Trace, Grants and Fundraising Manager at the Youth Sport Trust (YST), added: “We were delighted to support Richmond School with their bid and look forward to seeing the difference this funding will make to young people’s lives.”
Development Coordination Disorder (previously termed Dyspraxia) is a childhood condition which affects the development of gross and fine motor coordination. This has an impact on academic success, many daily life skills and has a significant bearing on an individual’s self-confidence, self-esteem.
As part of the project Lois Addy, an independent SEND advisor and lecturer, teaching both nationally and internationally, will provide training for professionals and parents on Developmental Coordination Disorder focusing on developing an understanding of the condition, and resources and strategies which help.
Dr Mike Brookes, GP Partner at Reeth Medical Centre, comments: “Children affected by DCD experience difficulties with motor-coordination, so encouraging them to take part in sport improves their motor skills in a setting where they can have fun and enjoy themselves. The ‘Activities for All’ is a fabulous initiative that has the potential to bring enormous benefits to young people with DCD. It raises much-needed awareness about the condition and the positive impact regular involvement in sport has on self-confidence and academic approach, whilst supporting skills for life and emotional wellbeing.”
Thanks to National Lottery players, the Big Lottery Fund is able to give out over £500 million to charities, community and voluntary groups each year. Based on the initial response and demand for the courses offered, it is anticipated that this is an area of training that will evolve and develop further in the future. To find out more about the courses available from Yes@Richmond School, a unique provider of inclusive courses in North Yorkshire, visit www.yesatrichmondschool.net/Training-Events or email yes@richmondschool.net