The sports hall at YMCA Walthamstow was the venue for a fantastic community event to celebrate young people with SEND from Waltham Forest Collage as Health Champions. The event was organized by the Youth Team at YMCA Walthamstow, with funding from the Waltham Forest Council Health Inequalities Fund.
The event started with a superhero warmup before our young people were invited to participate in a variety of sports activities, including basketball, badminton, table tennis and football. Our group of young people of all abilities were able to take part in the activities, and everyone was encouraged to have fun and try new things.
One of the highlights of the event was the presentation ceremony, where the young people were recognised with a certificate and medal presented by the YMCA Youth Team along with Tom from the Health Inequalities Fund at Waltham Forest Council. Everyone enjoyed a buffet lunch and the opportunity to chat together.
Throughout the event, the atmosphere was one of positivity and inclusivity, with everyone coming together to celebrate the abilities of young people with special needs. Participants were able to build confidence and self-esteem, and many made new friends in the process.
The event was made possible by the hard work and dedication of the YMCA Youth Team, who deliver a wide programme of free activities for young people within our communities. YMCA staff, carers, Waltham Forest Council and others from the community came out in force to show their support, and the event was a resounding success.
Speaking about the event, Piara Khatun, Youth Programmes Officer at YMCA St Paul’s Group said: “We are delighted with the turnout and the positive impact that this event has had on the participants. It is wonderful to see young people with special needs given the opportunity to showcase their abilities and to be celebrated for who they are. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success.”
The Health Champions event was a reminder of the importance of creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports and to be included in the community. It was a day of celebration, of unity, and of inclusivity, and a true testament to the power of sports to bring people together.
