Path to Paris

After a successful bid, Active Essex was funded £10,000 from the British Olympic Foundation (BOF) to help increase physical activity levels in young people through the promotion of the Path to Paris programme. To launch Path to Paris, Get Set UK visited Tree Tops Free, a SEND school based in Thurrock, where a livestream was recorded of students showcasing three of the engaging ‘Path to Paris Power Up’ sessions that can be accessed once signing up. Aquatics GB Para Swimmer, and now Paris 2024 Gold Medallist Grace Harvey, supported the session by sharing her journey with the students through a Q&A session. The focus of the sessions on inclusivity was clear from the outset, with an emphasis on activities being adaptable to various abilities and needs.

Working closely with the Multi Schools Council to focus on tackling inclusivity and improving diversity amongst participation, the successful Invincible Games came to life during the summer. The games welcomed 18 SEND provision schools across Essex to compete, participate, and try out a range of inclusive activities including Boccia, Taekwondo, Kurling, Seated Volleyball, and athletics. The impact of the day was decided by the students, who, alongside the Multi-Schools Council and Active Essex, through the power of youth voice, helped decide on the sports/activities on the agenda throughout the day.

With it being an Olympic and Paralympic year, students were offered the chance to take part in a number of Paralympic events, many of which they hadn’t tried before. GB Wheelchair Basketball player Siobhán Fitzpatrick was also in attendance, trying out several of the activities, as well as discussing her Paralympic hopes and how to overcome barriers to participation. Off the back of the partnership with Path to Paris and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with two Bronze medals in the Women’s Canoe Slalom round her neck, Kimberly Woods attended an Essex ActivAte club located in Dovercourt, Clacton Kayaks, to speak about her experience of the games and what it takes to be an Olympian. During her inspiring visit, she headed out onto the water and took part in some kayaking with the children, who also asked her some questions about her Olympic journey.

Following on from the Path to Paris initiative, the summer Holiday Activity and Food programme (HAF), run by Essex ActivAte, saw five clubs across the county offer children and young adults with Special Education Needs and Disabilities (SEND) different taster sessions to try unique, inclusive sports inspired by the Paralympics. More than 100 young people got stuck into activities such as archery, boccia, taekwondo, and athletics, helping to increase their confidence and boost self-esteem as well as try something new! The activities offered were chosen by the young people that attend the HAF clubs to ensure the sessions were tailored to their specific wants and needs and delivered by local partners and organisations.

Active Essex looks to continue to work closely with Get Set UK moving forward and help to inspire more residents to get moving and try unique sports, encouraging local communities to get active and find the right activity for them. The Path to Paris funding has been pivotal in transforming the inclusive offer for children and young people of SEND across Essex. Through this investment, Active Essex was able to expand its disability sport offers, ensuring individuals of all abilities have access to engaging, supportive, and high-quality sporting experiences. This funding not only empowered athletes but also fostered a strong sense of community, inclusion, and participation across Essex.

As a result of the high levels of engagement, Active Essex were invited to present at the Team GB Fanzone at Kings Cross in London, where they showcased the significant impact the Path to Paris funding has had on SEND pupils across Essex. They detailed how the funding supported four HAF sessions of Paralympic sports chosen by the children, connected with local providers to deliver sessions, and promoted a continued pathway for engagement beyond the summer holidays. The presentation highlighted the lack of SEND sporting clubs across the county and how this insight is shaping their strategy to support growth within this workforce.

The Path to Paris initiative has had a significant impact on increasing physical activity levels and promoting inclusivity among young people in Essex. Through the collaboration of various organisations and the support of inspiring athletes, the programme has successfully engaged and empowered individuals of all abilities to participate in sports and lead active, healthy lives. The initiative also helped inspire schools and communities to engage with the summers sporting events in Paris and support Team GB throughout.