Young people from across North West Sutherland came together last week for a successful and inspiring Parasports Festival in Kinlochbervie, celebrating inclusion, participation and leadership through sport.
Organised by High Life Highland's Active Schools team, the event welcomed 58 pupils from P1 to S3 and S6 from across the area. It was an exciting opportunity for children and young people to take part in a range of inclusive sporting activities in a fun, supportive and welcoming environment.
Building confidence in schools
In preparation for the festival, pupils from Durness, Kinlochbervie and Scourie Primary Schools took part in inclusive sports taster sessions. Our Active Schools Coordinator Rachel Cumming delivered these within their schools, helping to introduce pupils to adapted and inclusive sports and build confidence ahead of the event.
Led by our Young Leaders
The festival itself was planned and delivered with the support of S3 Young Leaders, who led activities throughout the day and played a key role in making sure participants had a positive experience. Demonstrating the inclusive ethos of the event, 50 per cent of the S3 leaders have additional support needs.
A big turnout from a small community
Of the 58 pupils who attended, 40 per cent had additional support needs. This highlights the importance of creating opportunities where all young people can participate, develop new skills and enjoy being active together.
With just 73 pupils in the entire North West Sutherland schools cluster, the participation of 58 children and young people was a significant achievement. It reflected the enthusiasm and support for inclusive sport across the local community.
The children really enjoyed trying out new activities they had never experienced before
Deputy Head Teacher, Kinlochbervie High School
Great teamwork throughout the day
Aileen MacDonald, Deputy Head Teacher at Kinlochbervie High School, commented: "Thank you very much to Rachel Cumming and her High Life Highland colleagues for coming to Kinlochbervie to put on such a great event for the North West Sutherland pupils.
"The children really enjoyed trying out new activities they had never experienced before, whilst also developing their awareness of the challenges faced by less able-bodied people. It was also a super opportunity for some of our high school pupils to demonstrate their leadership skills by leading the events with the mixed age groups.
"I observed a lovely example of an S3 leader describing the obstacle course to a blindfolded P5 pupil, who successfully completed the obstacle course thanks to the clear instructions given by his guide. This is just one example of the great teamwork that was evident throughout the event.
"Living in such a remote community means that our children do not have access to all the clubs and activities that more urban children have."
A fun, inclusive morning
Fiona Green, our Disability Sports Coordinator, said: "It was great to be in Kinlochbervie last week for the Parasports Festival. A huge well done to Rachel and the Young Leaders, who worked really hard to create a fun inclusive morning of activities.
"I was especially impressed by the Young Leaders and how quickly they picked up the boccia skills stations I introduced. Their enthusiasm and confidence really shone through and helped make the event such a success.
"Most importantly, all the pupils looked like they had a fantastic day, trying new sports and having fun with their friends. It was wonderful to see all the smiles."
Highlights from the day
A first for North West Sutherland
Reflecting on the first ever Parasports Festival for North West Sutherland, Active Schools Coordinator Rachel Cumming commented: "It was fantastic to see so many children actively engaged and enjoying the variety of activities planned and delivered by the S3 leaders throughout the day. As the first event of its kind to be offered in North West Sutherland, it was a privilege to host this festival and provide such a unique opportunity for children in this remote area to experience inclusive sport in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.
"A massive thanks to all the school staff who supported the event, as well as my colleague, Fiona Green from the Disability Sport Team, whose assistance helped make the day such a success."
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