Page 19 - Annual Report 2021-2022

CASE STUDY 5
The liveArgyll Active Schools team works
with schools, clubs and communities across Argyll and Bute to provide a wide range of extracurricular opportunities in physical activity and sport. Equality, diversity and inclusion are
a major focus for the team and with the help of different organisations, partners and individuals, programmes are developed to ensure inclusion is at the heart of what we do.
Our Oban Active Schools Coordinator Gillian Walker has worked with staff at St Columba’s Primary School to ensure inclusion in physical activity is a priority for their pupils.
Yannick is a pupil in primary six who has spina bifida. His Mum, Sally, is incredibly supportive and is very keen for Yannick to be involved in as much as possible in and out with school.
“Sport has had a transformative impact on his life. He has gained confidence, a sense of self-worth, and the ability to take part in teams. It has transformed his social skills.”
Gillian works with St Columba’s pupils to offer opportunities to participate in physical activity and sport, and supports a leadership programme within the school.
“As the Active Schools Coordinator, I worked alongside the school to encourage and support Yannick to be involved and to promote the school
to be more inclusive in sport. As Yannick is really enthusiastic and passionate about sport we are trying to create more opportunities for him. Yannick has a passion in basketball and swimming, which he excels in so we are doing what we can to ensure he can participate and compete.”
With a pro-active approach the school invited the organisation ‘Go Kids Go’ to run a session on wheelchair skills for Yannick, which also allowed other pupils in his class to use a wheelchair and play alongside their peers.
Collaboration between a range of partners has been a huge factor in providing Yannick with opportunities and has recently led to him being involved in wheelchair basketball sessions organised by basketballscotland.
liveArgyll.co.uk
19
Inclusion at the heart of what we do