As part of GOGA in Fife (Get Out Get Active), Disability Sport Fife (DSF) teamed up with Active Schools and Badminton Scotland to organise a “Big Hit” Festival at the University of St Andrews Sports Centre on Tuesday 21st November between 10 00 and 12 00. GOGA in Fife is supported by Spirit of 2012 and has a focus of encouraging inactive individuals with additional support needs to be active more often.
The Festival on the day was coordinated by Jane Russell of Badminton Scotland with support from Alex Bird from Active Schools. Caitlyn McAleese, Active Schools Coordinator, Madras College Primary Cluster, was the Fife Council staff member who approached DSF about setting up the Festival. Caitlyn coordinated arrangements in the lead up to the event.
Sports Leaders from Madras College, prepared by Jane, delivered a two hour programme of appropriate skills, games and fun activities. 26 pupils with additional support needs from Madras College in St Andrews and Castlehill Primary in Cupar participated. The follow up to the half day Festival will be the introduction of lunch time badminton sessions in 2018 with input from Madras College staff and sports leaders.
A morning of active recreation was enjoyed by all. Learners were supported by learning support assistants, teachers and sports leaders. It is hoped to host a follow up GOGA in Fife tennis Festival for North East Fife schools in 2018, once again in the magnificent University of St Andrews Sports Centre.
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife