Tayside Parasport Festival Inspires Pupils and Students at Dundee and Angus College

The festival introduces school pupils with sensory and/or physical disabilities to a range of different sports in a fun and supportive environment. This year, over 40 pupils from schools across Tayside took part, trying activities including indoor curling, rugby, powerchair football, archery, judo, table tennis and more.

HNC Sports Coaching and Development students played a key role throughout the day. Acting as team leaders, they supported pupils during activities, assisted coaching staff, and encouraged participants to get involved and have fun.

Student Murron shared how the experience benefited her: “Today is making me a more confident leader. Disability and sport is actually an area I want to work in, so it’s giving me direct experience.”

Supporting the festival forms part of the students’ Inclusive Sport unit within their course, giving them the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world setting.

Lecturer Wendy Wallace explained the value of the experience: “It gives them realistic experience working with children with disabilities. We discuss these topics regularly in the classroom, but events like this give them real hands-on experience and the chance to look at sport from a different perspective.”

The event was a fantastic success with pupils, students, staff, parents and carers all enjoying the day. Most importantly, pupils had the chance to build confidence, try new sports and experience the positive impact of inclusive sport.