An Inclusive Sports Day at The Meath

A long hot summer

The hot weather during June and July caused some challenges with the planning of this Meath-wide event. Unfortunately, the first date set for Sports Day fell during a heatwave in June. For health and safety reasons, the event was postponed, and luckily, on the newly allocated day the sun shone…but not too much!

Being active in hot weather is not advisable in general. However, for the people we support who live with complex epilepsy and complex health conditions, it is all the more vital that they can keep cool, shaded and hydrated.

Celia explained some measures she put in place with the team which helped to keep everyone safe and comfortable.

“As our circuit of activity stations were out on the lawn, we utilised shaded areas for designated rest zones. The natural shade of the cedar tree proved the perfect spot for our ‘Relaxations Station’ where we set up chairs and benches and we set up our ‘hydration station’ with water and squash on the terrace. 

Both areas also provided a great observation point, so if people needed to rest they could still feel a part of the event.”

As well as being a health and safety measure, the ‘Relaxation Station’ was one of the additions that Celia implemented as new ways to improve inclusivity of the event.

Firm Favourites with tweaks and adaptations

Celia is currently in her first year in the role as Skills Centre Manager. Previously, she worked as a Service Manager within our Residential Services for many years. Having supported residents in enjoying past Sports Day events, she explained that she was able to utilise this experience to make adjustments she felt would improve the ease of participation and the event’s inclusivity. She commented

“Meath Sports Day has always been great! However, having supported residents with mobility challenges and also some who didn’t have the stamina to complete all of the organised activities, I put in place some small but all-important changes.

We created a designated ‘Relaxation Station’ which looked out over the action. This enabled those who needed a rest or who may need to recover from a seizure to remain a part of the event.

Another effective alteration we made was to have a couple of wider racetrack lanes marked out. These were helpful for staff who needed to support a resident to race or for those who use a walking aid. “

Inclusive but competitive challenges

The people we support told us that they wanted a sports day that was inclusive, yet competitive! With both participation and competition in mind, Celia and the Skills Centre team planned a lawn full of varied and engaging physical challenges. Staff members and volunteers managed each station and logged each individual’s score for every activity completed.

Firm favourites such as the egg and spoon race, beat the goalie and archery were on offer, alongside some new additions. New for Sports Day 2026 were Wellington boot throwing, table skittles, chair relay, pool noodle javelin and floor darts.

Welly throwing was especially popular, as was the tabletop tin can alley. The simple adaptation of raising a bowling activity to table height meant a more level playing field for wheelchair using players and standing players alike, Laura, Meath resident, told us

“I like skittles and it was easier for me to bowl on the table than down low.”

But Celia’s Sports Day pièce de résistance was the popular chair relay. This challenge provided a winning combination of teamwork, technique and the prospect of spilling lots of brightly coloured balls over one’s fellow competitors.

Team Meath

The day exceeded all aims of being a fun, active day for all, which fostered a sense of belonging and inclusion. Together, the range of activities on offer provided a great opportunity for the people we support to build a range of skills. While the fun ensued, gross and fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination, communication and social skills developed.

While points were scored and Certificates awarded for both participation and special sporting effort and achievement, as much teamwork was at play in the making of the day as in the challenges themselves.

Celia is thrilled to have co-ordinated such a great day of fun and fitness for the people we support, thanks to her supportive team at the Skills Centre and colleagues from across the organisation. She reflected on the teamwork and great support for the event from colleagues.

“By working together with the Estates Team who prepared the site, the team at The Hive who catered for all with homemade pizza, and our staff and volunteers to run activities and provide engaging and enabling support, we provided an important sociable and active experience for all.”