It was a real delight to welcome members of the Penrith Over 65 Club into school on Friday, to play a friendly round of boccia with our students.
The warmth shown between the generations certainly took the chill off the airy Sports Hall!
The event came about after Mr Green (Curriculum Lead for PE) heard that the Over 65’s Club had added boccia to their range of activities, as well as bowling, swimming and fitness classes. Sixth Form student and veteran boccia player, Andrew Kyle contacted the club to invite them to come along for some coaching and friendly practice.
Andrew said, “It’s gone quite well, and I think it would be good to have more events like this.”
Mrs Croucher, our Inclusive Sports Lead, remarked, “It’s just lovely! It’s worked really well. They’ve found it easy to talk to one and other and they have taught each other new skills – we’ve shown them how to play boccia and they’ve passed on some bowling skills.”
Year 9 student Emily Kennon commented, “We’ve never done his before, so I was quite excited. As well as teaching them the rules of boccia, I’ve learnt some bowling techniques like how to unblock the ball.”
As well as boccia, games of New Age Kurling (a version of curling that can be played indoors without ice) were played. Our Inclusive Sports Clubs had recently acquired the equipment, so they were pleased to have a chance to put it into practice.
Jackie Green from the Over 65s Club said, “Our club began with regular swimming and fitness classes, then we introduced other activities to allow less able members to join in. We would normally be swimming on a Friday morning, but it’s been lovely to come here and have this experience with the students. Some of our group here today are well into their 80s, which surprised a few of the students!”
