Children with special needs enjoy weekly sports centre session

ARRIVING at the Tiggers session you can hear the squeals of delight from the youngsters. They are running around chasing hoops and driving pedal cars the length of the sports hall.

Parents watch on as their little ones enjoy a freedom they do not normally get to experience. All the youngsters in this group, held every Thursday at Clifton Hill Sports Centre, in Exeter, have special needs.

It is the only session of its kind in Exeter and parents come from far and wide to be a part of it. Run by Sally Collman and Denise Waterfield, it is aimed at youngsters aged five years plus, with physical or mental disabilities. It is now in its 12th year and offers a 50-minute respite for parents and a chance for their children to not feel different.

"It is a fun session," said Sally. "We try not to be too structured and just take each class as it comes. It depends how the children are feeling.

"We might do a bit of gym work, get the trampoline out or just play football. It is a chance for the children to run around and let off a bit of steam. It is also a chance for parents to sit down for five minutes and talk to other carers in a similar position."

Currently there are around 14 youngsters in the group and some have been going to Tiggers for many years. Will, now 18, has been part of the group since he was a boy. He now helps with the other children.

"It is a lovely group and everyone helps each other," said Denise. "The parents feel at ease because their children can play with other youngsters in a safe and secure environment without feeling that they are different. We also encourage families to bring their other siblings so everyone gets to have fun together."

Sally, who has been taking the group for 12 years, and Denise, who got involved 18 months ago, say they both get a lot out of being a part of it.

"It is very rewarding to watch the youngsters grow in confidence each time they come," said Sally. "We can see them develop and it is great when they achieve something new."

Bob Morris has been going to the group with his son Alex, seven, for 18 months and feels they both benefit from it.

"Alex looks forward to every Thursday," he said. "It is also good for me to have the chance to talk to other parents. We all relax here because we do not feel like we are being judged. We all know what it is like to have a child with a disability and how they can sometimes act."

Caroline Tackie-Yaoboi has been part of the group with her son Paa for five years. The 12-year-old has Down's Syndrome.

"Paa has a lot of friends here and he loves coming and meeting the other children," she said. "He is able to take part in all the activities and everyone here is very encouraging."

Neville Phillips, from Copplestone, near Crediton, said he was really pleased to find out about Tiggers as there are no other groups like it in the area. He has been taking his son Callum, aged five, for six months.

"This is a great group and we have both made a lot of friends," he said. "It is a chance for Callum to play just like any normal child."

Jayne Taylor, from Dunkeswell, takes her children to the group. Jacob, aged six, and three-year-old Jack are both autistic.

"It gives me a chance to sit down for a few minutes," she said. "We all take turns helping so everyone has an opportunity to relax.

"The boys love it here. It is a big room so they can run around and play safely. They have made a lot of friends and it is lovely to see them having a good time.

"It is a bit of a drive to get here every time, but it is well worth it. It is a really great group and we are lucky to be a part of it."

Tiggers is held every Thursday during term times from 4.15pm to 5.05pm. Anyone interested in joining can call 01392 253353.