Deaf and hard of hearing children from across Dorset came together at Bournemouth University for a Deaflympics inspired sports day on Talbot Campus.
Thirty children aged between eight and thirteen took part in handball, futsal and volleyball sessions in the main SportBU hall, supported by BU’s Sports Coaching Department, Dorset Council and local schools.
Coaching was led by BU sport coaching students who adapted activities where needed, including encouraging underarm passing in handball and using coloured bibs laid on the floor to show when to stop and start drills.
Jemma O’Rourke from Dorset Council said the day was important as many children rarely meet others with similar experiences at school. One participant said he enjoyed trying new activities alongside the football he already plays for a Bournemouth disability team.
Senior Lecturer Ellie Gennings said the day allowed students to apply what they learn in the classroom and prepare for future roles working with children of mixed abilities.
BU hopes to hold the event every year and continue introducing children to a range of sports while developing inclusive coaching skills within its degree programmes.
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