Oxford United in the Community was pleased to attend a free sports day designed specifically for adults living with a learning disability in Horspath this month.
Organised by Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Active Oxfordshire, Have a Go Festival is a free event where participants can try out a range of sports in a safe and inclusive space, meet new people and be active.
Among activities at this year’s event were cycling, athletics, cricket, tennis, dance, archery and more. Oxford United in the Community provided the football arm to the festival which was attended by scores of sports enthusiasts.
Mark Thomas, Social Inclusion Lead at Oxford United in the Community, led a shooting exercise on the day and thanked Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Active Oxfordshire for the invitation.
“We’ve upscaled our work significantly with individuals living with a disability this year which is why we were pleased to be part of the Have a Go Festival,” said Mark. “We believe every person, regardless of their background or experience, should be able to unlock access to appropriate sporting provisions and events of this kind help to achieve this.
“It was especially pleasing to see how many Oxford United fans were in attendance and underlined to us the power of the club badge and how it can influence people to try new activities, make friends and build confidence.
“The shooting drill tested players’ accuracy and balance and was a popular stop among the many great activities which took place. We’d like to thank Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Active Oxfordshire for their invitation and delivering such a well organised event.”
Pheobe Gibbons, equality, diversity and inclusion co-ordinator at Active Oxfordshire, added: “It was great to work with Oxford United in the Community at the Have a Go Festival.
“To support the team with providing opportunities for individuals to have a go at playing football was really enjoyable. The team were very welcoming and their activities gave participants the opportunity to test their football skills.
“Events such as this are vitally important in ensuring everyone in our society can participate and engage with sport and physical activity and try new activities as well in a way that works for them.
“It was great to see so many organisations unite to be part of this event and we were so pleased to support the event.”