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LEARNING DISABILITY AWARENESS WEEK

This week is Learning Disability Week, an annual campaign which is all about showing the world the incredible things that people with a learning disability achieve, smashing misconceptions about what people can do and shining a light on the stigma many still face every day.

Through our Saints Academy INclusion Through Sport (SAINTS) programme, a programme which we recently announced has been selected for the EFDN ‘More than Football’ Award 2023 longlist, we provide weekly sporting opportunities for adults with a learning disability with the aim to remove barriers to participating in sport whilst also improving the accessibility and inclusion for all.

Friday 2nd of June saw our LD Football players take part in their fourth recreational festival! After the success of last year’s LD & Autism Football Festival event which we hosted in Perth, and other events held at Pitreavie Soccer Centre in Dunfermline, our LD players enjoyed their first recreational festival of 2023 at a sun-drenched McDiarmid Park!

Taking part in four 7-a-side games, fifteen Saints in the Community players were joined by teams from:

  • Scone Thistle Para-Football
  • Fairway Fife
  • The Pars Foundation

After some great goals were scored throughout the day, players then enjoyed a social event (and some much-needed shade) in the Muirton Suite to round-up the festival.

Throughout the last 15-years, the Community Trust’s SAINTS programme has worked with a number of local organisations to provide a variety of physical activity opportunities for those who all too often experience disadvantage. These support activities reach out to adults with mental health struggles, adults with learning disabilities, and support for local students with additional support needs.

“This project means absolutely everything to the adults I support. It gives them the chance to do something they enjoy. It’s amazing for their mental health, fitness, and socialising. You can see how much everyone loves it; it really is a fantastic project.” - Wendy Marmion, participant Support Worker

Our recently launched new organisational strategy has a strong focus on using sport as a vehicle to support individuals on improving and maintaining both their physical and mental health so they are fitter, healthier, and happier people, as well developing parasport opportunities. Our LD & Autism football festivals across the region have proved to be a big hit and we look forward to taking part again soon!

 

If anybody would be interested to join our group, please get in touch with us for further information on 01738 459095 or email us at projects@saintsinthecommunity.co.uk.