Access Day gives children the chance to enjoy inclusive sport

Hosted by GOGA partners Wiltshire and Swindon Sport (WASP), the GOGA Access Day was held on Monday 10 February 2025 at Foundation Park in Swindon. Swindon Borough Council helped to identify schools to work with, and children with special educational needs attended from 33 schools in the area. 

Dominique Oughton, Access Day organiser and Operations Manager of WASP, said: 

"These children don’t usually get the opportunity to take part in many activities in school, so it’s great to be able to offer something and bring them into a new and exciting environment where they can mix with other young people." 

True to the ethos of GOGA, the delivery of activities was led by children’s  charity Panathlon, who work regularly with young disabled people, supported by volunteers from St James’ Place. The children got involved in a variety of activities, including football, skittles, netball standing long jump and parachute games.

Vaughn, a participant, said: "I’ve enjoyed it, it has been fun. I like Boccia and the power chair football and really enjoyed the bean bag game."

The event provided a firsthand experience of what the GOGA programme is about, including partnership working and volunteering among its key aims.

One volunteer told us: "It was nice to come out and be involved in the day and support the work that is happening."

Dominque added: 

"The GOGA Access Day was an incredible celebration of inclusive sport, welcoming 98 children and young people from 33 schools across Swindon. It was fantastic to see participants of all abilities engaging in activities like boccia, parachute games, football, cricket, skittles, and relay races."

"The energy, teamwork, and enthusiasm on display showed the true power of sport in bringing people together. A huge thank you to everyone who made the day possible – we’re excited to keep creating more inclusive opportunities in the future!"

Planning is already underway for another event in the summer. There is hope that teachers will have the opportunity to take part in inclusion training whilst the event is taking place. 

GOGA continues to bring disabled and non-disabled together people through fun and inclusive activities. Activities such as Wiltshire's Access Day is a brilliant example of the work being done across the country.

For more information on GOGA activities in the Wiltshire and Swindon area, visit the WASP website.