Oundle School’s ‘Have a Go Day’ (HAGD) has been running for over thirty years and has established itself as a favourite date in the calendars of special needs clubs and schools. On the afternoon of Sunday 25th September, over 200 adults and children with physical disabilities and/or learning difficulties visited the School, hosted by over 150 pupils. Visitors took part in various activities including swimming, badminton, basketball, archery, football, indoor rowing, crazy golf, face painting, boccia, yoga, music and art activities as well as enjoying traction engine rides around the School’s grounds.
Liz Dillarstone, Head of Community Action at Oundle School, commented “HAGD is a really encouraging environment in which visitors with special needs can try their hand at new sports and activities in a safe and familiar environment. We aim for everyone to leave with smiles on their faces – staff, pupils and visitors alike.”
Some visitors make a bee-line for their favourite activity as soon as they arrive; the archery is always extremely popular and well supported. Others like to try their hand at new activities like boccia and the music, cricket and football are always popular.
Pupil, Susie Hutchinson (17) commented, “’Have a Go Day’ was amazing and fun as always. Many left with framed photos they had decorated at the Photo Booth, intending to display them as soon as they got home. I found this particularly rewarding as I was helping out with the Stahl Wardrobe putting costumes together for this activity. The fact that we as a community make a positive difference to others is really important and that is what Oundle Community Action is all about.”
Pupil, Ed Pryor (18) added, “It was an absolutely fantastic day! It was hugely rewarding spending time with friends in the sun whilst providing entertainment for our visitors. There are few things more enchanting than the sheer glee and enjoyment plastered on the face of each visitor as they threw themselves into the rich array of activities.”
Pupil Freddie Turner (16), “Have a Go Day is a wonderful opportunity for us to host and entertain and enjoy the company of those with disabilities whilst learning their names and introducing them to the many different activities on offer. The sun was shining, everyone was smiling and yet again it was a hugely successful day for everyone.”
Visitor Feedback: “We just wanted to take a moment to offer huge thanks to you and everyone involved in the ‘Have a Go’ day yesterday. It was the first time we have been to one and we couldn’t actually believe how brilliantly put together the whole thing was. Your pupils were absolutely charming, patient and just totally brilliant with our children. I hope that they, along with all the other people who put in so much time and hard work yesterday, understand just what a difference they have made to all the people who came along and enjoyed such a magical afternoon.”
Any clubs wishing to be notified of future events should contact Oundle School Community Action department on 01832 277267 or email ca@oundleschool.org.uk for further details.