Experience Days
Each year we hold a series of Sports Experience Days when up to 2,000 disabled children from special schools throughout East Anglia are given the opportunity to take part in over thirty different sporting activities.
The emphasis is on ‘experience’ – giving the children a ‘taster’ which may encourage them to continue with a particular sport.
This year’s events were help between 10th and 12th June 2024 In Chelmsford, Redbourn and Thetford.
We would like to thank our President Frank Bruno who, together with former England International footballers Sir Trevor Brooking, Tony Cottee and Peter Shilton and Television Presenter Steve Brown , attended all three events
ITV Anglia News Included a report on the 2022 Thetford event In their evening bulletin.
Two examples of the support we have given over the years are Noel Thatcher and Giles Long. Both have received support from the Presidents Sporting Club/Harlow Handicapped Sports Foundation and both won Gold Medals at the Paralympics in Atlanta and Sydney.
Noel Thatcher MBE, wrote recently, “I can say without exaggeration, that without the Club’s sponsorship all those years ago, many of the medals I have been fortunate to win would have been hanging around someone else’s neck. I would like to think that you can look at my two gold medals from Atlanta as a reward for all the magnificent work the Club does for the young and disabled in the community. It continues to be a privilege to be associated with your work.”
What Real People Say
Prime Minister, Theresa May MP:
“The President’s Sporting Club is making a real difference to the lives of young disabled people, by giving them the chance to take part in sports and providing all the benefits that can bring.”
From Councillor John Galley – Mayor of Chelmsford
Thank you very much for inviting the Mayoress and I to the above event. It was a joy meeting the children, their teachers and support staff. They certainly enjoyed the activities and it was also a pleasure to meet the group of personalities who have always supported this event. An amazing day to organise and I would like to express my thanks to all those involved in putting on a much needed event for the pleasure of the children who face challenges in their daily lives. Well done to all concerned who give up their time so freely.
From a Teacher:
I am writing to thank you for the wonderful experience our children had at Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre today. For once again inviting us to take part on this unique and special day, arranged by the disabled foundation.
It was a most memorable occasion for our children, who all had a lovely day, trying new sports and activities they would not normally have the opportunity to experience.
A special thanks must go to all your colleagues and volunteers for all the hard work and preparation to make this day so outstanding for our children.
From a Teacher:
A massive thank you to you and everyone involved in making today such a success for our young people.
The children could not wait to show us their medals and t-shirts and tell us all about their day.
A huge success and many magical memories made.
Thank you to everyone involved.
From a Teacher:
I would just like to take the time to say a huge thank you from all the staff and students at Bure Park for an absolutely fantastic experience today. The boys have had a wonderful life experience and will be talking about it for a long time. The staff were blown away by your generosity as many, including myself, had never been before. It is an absolute pleasure to have been involved and we look forward to attending each and every year!
From a Teacher:
“Our pupils had a brilliant time and we felt privileged to see them doing so well at the range of sporting activities on offer”
From a Teacher:
“Our students and staff had an amazing day, all the volunteers were fantastic to our students and they had an unforgettable time. We can’t thank you all enough.”
From a Teacher:
“The students came back to school with a huge sense of achievement and grinning from ear to ear”
From a Parent:
“We understand that Joe had great day and enjoyed the sports he was exposed to. We work with Joe each evening and it was pleasing to note that Joe surprised his teaching support with his abilities which may not be always accessed at school. It means a lot to us as parents that children with learning and physical needs are exposed to these events as abled body individuals would appreciate or take for granted.”
