Positive Experiences for Children & Young People Award Finalists
Proudly sponsored by
The Positive Experiences for Children and Young People Award recognises an individual, group or organisation who is making an outstanding contribution to providing opportunities for children and young people to have a positive experience of physical activity. In particular those opening up opportunities for those who are currently less active and facing barriers to participating in physical activity.
Our Finalists
Dimension Skatepark
Dimension Skatepark charity benefits the inhabitants of Bourne, Lincolnshire and surrounding area through provision of a multi-purpose, safe, skatepark allowing for bmx, skateboarding, cycling. roller-skating / blading and scootering facilities. Bourne United Charities offered the land for the skatepark and the Dimension Skatepark charity was set up in April 2016. Local young people, as potential users of the park, were directly involved in the design of the facility. Trustees and other volunteers worked hard to gain planning permission and funding for the building of the facility.
After all the hard work and support the facility was completed and opened at the end of May 2023. The facility is available to all for free, and there are no barriers to its use. It provides a facility for young people who might not otherwise take part in any physical activity, in particular encouraging young people to get out and about and take part in physical activity following the COVID pandemic. The facility is open every day of the year weather permitting with hundreds of users a day at weekends probably making it the most well used sports facility in Bourne.
Young people are already taking pride and ownership in the facility ensuring it is kept clean and encouraging good behaviour. Experienced users can be seen teaching younger less experienced users. Whole families visit the facility, dads and mums often joining in. A real community of users has already formed and set up pages on Facebook.
"The facility is guaranteed for 25 years and Bourne Town Council have agreed to take responsibility for it in the future so we look forward to many years of use. May be one day a young person from Bourne will represent the Great Britain in the Olympics!"
Magna Vitae Gymnastics
Magna Vitae gymnastics is a Louth-based inclusive gymnastics club associated with British Gymnastics. The club has 300 children signed up to gymnastics classes ranging in age from 18 months to 14 years old and covering all abilities. The club has grown by over 150 children in the last 18 months. In the last year they have introduced an in house competition giving all children within the club the chance to compete in a fun and friendly atmosphere with every child entered receiving recognition. As well as a mix of abilities they also have children that are SEN registered, have additional needs and some physical disabilities. All these children are welcomed into their classes making them feel included by adapting classes to meet their needs.
A young leader program is in place, which give some of the older children who want to go in to the sporting profession a chance to help coach younger participants. This opportunity gives them valuable life skills to help them later on as well as the chance to earn some qualifications along the way.
"The coaches at this club are truly awesome! They have helped instill so much confidence in my daughters since starting their gymnastics sessions (from pre-school to advanced) and you can tell they absolutely love what they do. They have progressed so much technically and look forward to the in-house competitions when the club makes them all feel so special. It is the highlightmy daughters’ week to visit this fantastic club."
Wright Way Sports
Since it was set up two years ago by Brad Wright, Wright Way Sports has continuously provided an inclusive space for children of all backgrounds to experience and enjoy physical activity in a safe and encouraging environment. Wright Way Sports works across the county in both affluent and disadvantaged areas to allow young people to access sports through sports coaching, school sessions, HAF provisions and one to one sessions. The organisations work with Positive futures and Lincolnshire County Council to provide sessions for those who would otherwise be unable to access sports and encourages less represented groups with specific sessions for girls and all ability counts sessions. Supporting with HAF and after school provision with GAPA they reach some of the most vulnerable in Gainsborough.
Alongside supporting and engaging the young people taking part in his sessions, Brad also works hard to provide opportunities for teenagers by providing volunteering opportunities, employment, training and development opportunities. One young person from this process is now an established full time member of staff. Not only does Brad work tirelessly to provide sessions across the county, he also spends time supporting mental health and charities across Lincolnshire.
"My son has been desperate to play football and train within a mainstream team for such a long time, Wright Way Sports came along and gave him that opportunity. They're absolutely amazing with him, can calm him down and they help him deal with the emotional side of football. He feels part of the team and loves his training sessions and the holiday clubs they provide."
