Ability Games brings sport and inclusion together
The Devon Autumn Ability Games (DAAG) take place on Wednesday 12 November, at the Tarka Tennis Centre in Barnstaple and will provide the opportunity for young disabled people from schools throughout Devon to participate in competitions spanning five different sports.
The event is part of the Sainsbury’s School Games and over 350 participants are set to take part in a variety of different competitions and taster sports. The young people from local schools and colleges will also be crucial in organising the event on the day as over 70 of them have been recruited as Games Maker style volunteers.
Active Devon Chief Executive Matt Evans…. said: “At Active Devon our aim is for everyone in Devon to be active for life. Often it is more difficult for disabled people to get into sport so we are absolutely thrilled that so many young disabled people will be participating in the Devon Autumn Ability Games. The support of local schools has been brilliant and it shows in the fantastic number of entries this year.
"And with young volunteers also helping to stage and deliver the event I genuinely believe that the event showcases the very best in grassroots sport in Devon. It is going to be a fantastic day for everyone involved and shows that the London 2012 flame is still burning brightly in Devon.”
The Devon Autumn Ability Games is one of a number of initiatives supported by Devon County Council as part of its commitment to securing a legacy from London 2012. Councillor Roger Croad, DCC Cabinet Member for Environmental and Community Services said
“We are so pleased that this event is taking place to inspire children of all abilities to be active. We believe that these games strive to build a local legacy in Devon after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. By bringing schools together from across the county the event will stimulate interest and build on the excellent work already taking place across the Devon.
Diving supremo Pete Waterfield, an Olympic medallist who is perhaps best-known for his highly successful synchronized diving partnership with Tom Daley, will be visiting the Autumn Ability Games in Barnstaple on 12th November.
Pete will be attending the event in his capacity as Sport England’s Sporting Champion and is excited about interacting with the young people at the event.
“Having represented Britain at major events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, I feel it is really important for me to give something back to sport because it has given me so much. That is why I love being a Sport England Sporting Champion and working with young people.
“I am looking forward to doing just that at the forthcoming Ability Games. I am excited to meet all the young participants and volunteers in attendance and my aim is to raise their aspirations of what they can achieve. I know that it will be a fantastic event so I cannot wait for the action to get underway in Plymouth”
The event starts 0945 for registration followed by an opening ceremony at 1015. There will be a range of sports on offer through the day including table cricket, football, cycling, tennis, and rowing. There will also be individual event medal ceremonies to round off the event.
In addition to the various events, competitors will also have the opportunity to take part in taster activities which will include shooting, squash, wheelchair rugby and basketball, trampolining and a canoe challenge.
The Devon Autumn Ability Games is part of a programme of four Countywide Sainsbury’s School Games multi-sport festivals in Devon, delivered by Active Devon on behalf of the Devon School Games Local Organising Committee.
For further information please contact Active Devon on 01392 263674
