Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Children are All Stars at Leeds Met
The students, who are all in their second year of study, have created the event for children with special educational needs and physical disabilities, as part of an Events Management module, and will be joined by Leeds Rhinos players, Lee Smith and Luke Ambler, as well as Ronnie the Rhino, who will present awards to the children during the event's closing ceremony at the Headingley Campus.
The All Stars' Sports Festival aims to get around 250 young children with special educational needs and physical disabilities from specialist inclusive learning centres (SILCs) across Leeds together to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity in sports. The children will have the chance to get involved in a variety of activities including boccia, curling, basketball, football, gym and dance, parachute games and athletics, as well as a session on arts and crafts where the children can make Olympic 'flames' and flags to represent their country.
Lucy Barlow, one of the student organisers, commented: "Whilst this is for our personal and professional development in terms of contributing to our degree, since taking on this project, the children have been the only focus throughout. Having met them in their Learning Centres, it is inspiring to see their courageous attitude and positive outlook. We hope to use the staging of the Olympics and Paralympics on our home soil to promote sport and wellbeing, whilst focusing primarily on a fun and enjoyable experience for the children."