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Further Education Boccia Tournament brings SEND students together
Published
Earlier this year, YuGo hosted its first Further Education Boccia Tournament, bringing together post-16 students from schools and colleges across Gloucestershire. The event created opportunities for young people with additional needs to compete, connect and celebrate sport in an inclusive, supportive environment.
YuGo was thrilled to deliver their very first Further Education sports event, and what a day it was!
Boccia is a paralympic sport similar to bowls, designed for athletes with disabilities affecting movement. It’s a fun, strategic game where accuracy and teamwork can shine. For many students, this was their first chance to take part in a county-wide competition and the excitement was incredible.
We welcomed teams from Heart of the Forest Community Special School, the Shrubberies School and Apperley Centre, Gloucestershire College Campuses (Cheltenham, Harbour House, Steam Mills Place) and Bettridge School. The tournament gave students the chance to try something new and meet others from across the county in a positive, inclusive setting.
Kimberley Gavin, teaching assistant at Steam Mills Place (Gloucestershire College), said: ““The pupils are doing really well and really enjoying themselves. They’ve met new people, made friends, and had the chance to socialise in a different setting while playing sport. It’s a great experience, and we’re looking forward to more of these events, especially if they happen every year.”
Kelly, a student at Gloucestershire College, added:
“We’ve played Boccia today and it’s been good fun. The best part was playing with my team.”
Staff from Gloucestershire County Council’s education team were also inspired:
“It’s been a fantastic event. Specialist provisions competing together like this doesn’t usually happen – the atmosphere has been amazing, and Boccia is such a wonderfully accessible sport.”
The Boccia tournament is part of YuGo’s growing schools and further education programme, which has expanded to create more opportunities for post-16 students. Just weeks later, we also hosted athletics and archery events, giving young people the chance to stay active, build confidence and most importantly – have fun.
We’re delighted that Gloucestershire County Council is recommissioning YuGo’s Further Education events for next year. That means even more opportunities for students with additional needs to try new sports, grow their confidence, and discover their love of exercise.
At YuGo, we believe sport is for everyone. We exist to make exercise engaging and achievable for all – whether that’s through inclusive school sports, personal training, or specialist fitness clubs. Every event is designed with one thing in mind - helping people move, connect and feel good.
Want to know more about YuGo, Please visit Support for Families with SEND, Gloucestershire's Local Offer