Celebrating SEN athletes

Lee Valley Athletics Centre was thrilled to host 20 young athletes from across London and their families on Saturday 22 November for a SEN Sports Champions inclusive athletics event.

This inaugural event, delivered by SEN Sports LTD, with support from Special Olympics GB, gave young athletes the chance to experience structured sports and light-hearted competition in a format tailored to the group’s needs and abilities.

The world class Lee Valley Athletics Centre was an inspirational setting for the celebratory event, with access funded by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund, a scheme which covers the cost of venue use, activities and transport for community partners and schools across London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

As a training base for top athletes, alongside a huge programme of community, club and schools activity, Lee Valley Athletics Centre was a natural fit for the event which celebrated athletes of all abilities.

Family members, specialist SEN coaches and organisers were all bursting with pride as the young athletes crossed the finish line for the first time ever, a huge milestone which organisers hope will spark a love for sports, and for some could become the first step on a pathway into the Special Olympics GB programme.

Enfield Mayor Margaret Greer joined the celebrations and helped hand out medals, ribbons and certificates to the participants. This support and recognition meant a lot to the families, “I thanked the Mayor for coming as our kids need support and what SEN Sports LTD is trying to achieve needs recognition”, one parent noted. Others praised the event, “This was a fantastic experience for the children and my son enjoyed meeting the Mayor and celebrating all the children as they received their medals and certificates. Events like this are important for boosting self-esteem and pride.”

Shadie Banton-John, Director of SEN Sports LTD was delighted to hold this inspiring event at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, “Thank you for providing a safe and welcoming space, and for going above and beyond to ensure accessibility needs were met without hesitation. Giving us exclusive access made families feel comfortable, secure, and truly valued — it meant the world to them and to us.”

SEN Sports LTD is a community-led movement, officially accredited by Special Olympics GB, committed to making high-quality, inclusive physical activity accessible to every child with additional needs. Through SEN Sports Clubs, specialist coaching, and a family-centred approach, SEN Sports Ltd creates safe and supportive environments where young people can thrive emotionally, socially, and physically.