Disability water polo a big hit with city teens

Local teenagers with disabilities and special educational needs are getting to experience new sports, thanks to the Council’s Sportivate programme.

The Council is working with schools to offer 14-19 year olds the chance to try out alternative activities and sports they wouldn’t normally be able to access, due to the cost or specialist facilities required.

The programme is open to pupils at the city’s four special schools, as well as pupils with special educational needs at mainstream schools. Each activity runs for six weeks and sessions are hosted at the Plymouth Life Centre.

Activities began in October with water polo – an exciting and fast-paced team sport that requires skill, tactics and physical stamina. Eight young people with various disabilities and mobility problems have been taking to the pool to learn the game and master new skills. Next up on the programme will be climbing, starting in the New Year.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “We want to provide as many opportunities as possible for Plymouth’s young people to enjoy sport, regardless of their physical ability.

"These sessions are giving teens with disabilities and mobility problems a chance to try out some of the less mainstream sports and will hopefully encourage them to take part on a more regular basis. If any of the activities are especially popular we’ll look to work with schools to run them on a longer term basis.”

Robyn Becker, PE teacher at Mill Ford School, said: “The water polo has been a huge success. It's really ignited an interest in water sports in our students and is helping them to work on their team building skills, communication (listening to each other as well as the coaches), fitness, motor skills, spatial awareness and basic swimming.

“It's nice to have the opportunity to do such an energetic activity and have some fun with the students, and when they're having fun and engaged they learn to their maximum ability. They ask every day when the next water polo match is and I'm hoping to incorporate the game into our swimming lessons next term. It's been amazing and a fantastic opportunity!"