VIP gives thumbs up at Olympic legacy event

Baroness Sue Campbell hailed the latest Olympic Legacy Day as “fantastic” after watching over one hundred disability athletes from across the region represent their schools on an inspirational day of sport.

Held at Archbishop Beck School Tennis Centre, children from 12 schools for pupils with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) competed in a range of sports from football to archery, with each activity graded to suit the needs and ability of each participant.

Speaking exclusively to Educate Magazine, Baroness Campbell said: “When you walk around here and you look closely, what is being developed are communication skills, independence skills, things that these people with severe learning disabilities need support and help with to develop. And this is a fun and enjoyable environment in which they can develop these very important life skills.

“I think it’s fantastic. The activities are graded so every young person is successful. That is so important for all of us: when we try something we want a certain amount of success.”

Lady Campbell, who is chair of the Youth Sports Trust, also hailed the work of the Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership for ensuring schoolchildren of all abilities get the opportunity to represent their school and take part in sport.

“It is important every young person gets the opportunity to learn new skills and feel the pride to be involved with something and get to wear that jersey,” said the former England netball international and Head of Women’s Football at the FA. “These youngsters are a great example of the fact winning and losing really doesn’t matter; but taking part does matter and is part of that whole Olympic ideal. For these youngsters, and for many kids, that’s what matters.”

Each individual event was run by Sports Leaders from Archbishop Beck School and they provided support and guidance to the participants throughout on a truly memorable day when sport was the real winner.