Tilly Robinson and School Games Competitors

Wheelchair rugby star an inspiration for Devon youngsters at Ability Games

100’s of Devon youngsters will be heading to Barnstaple next week (Weds 5th Feb) for a day of friendly sporting competition. They will be taking part in a variety of events including archery, sitting volleyball and new age kurling. Additionally, there will be a wide range of taster activities, including football on the brand new artificial grass pitch, which will be officially opened before the first coaching session begins.

The Devon Ability Games are being staged at the Tarka Tennis Centre and give children from Special Educational Needs (SEN) Schools and Special Schools a fantastic opportunity to show off their skills and come together for a fantastic sporting celebration

“We love seeing the joy this event brings to the young people taking part.” said Lisa Alford from Active Devon.

"It’s a real focal point of the sport and activity calendar for SEN schools and we always get fantastic feedback about what the youngsters gain from getting involved.”

“It’s also fantastic to see so many young volunteers giving their time to ensure the day runs so smoothly and we are very grateful to them.”

The special ‘sporting champion’ guest of honour is Devon’s Tilly Robinson who has just been selected for the GB Wheelchair Rugby team. She started playing in 2013 following a taster session at the Devon School Games! She will be meeting the youngsters and passing on some tips.

The School Games is a nationwide programme funded by the National Lottery and has been a prominent centrepiece of competitive school sport in Devon since 2011. During that time tens of thousands of young people in the county have been involved, in intra and inter-school competitions at local, regional and national level. A focus on leadership and volunteering means that young people have the chance to deliver events, inspire and lead their peers.

The Competition Sports on offer are: