The event is part of wider University initiatives and the University’s Para Sport Strategy, aiming to create life-shaping opportunities through the development of an inspirational and inclusive Para Sport offer.
Every week, free, fully inclusive student-led sport sessions are run across Loughborough’s University campus as part of the Recreational Sport My Lifestyle programme (https://www.lboro.ac.uk/sport/timetables/my-lifestyle-programme/) which is accessible for all staff and students. In collaboration with the Para Sport Exec, the Takeover Week will see each of the My Lifestyle weekly sessions be adjusted to allow students and staff to try the Para version of the Sport.
Along with the student Sport Execs and members of Lboro Sport, students with disabilities from across the University have been involved in the preparation for the Takeover Week, which will see over 25 Para Sport Sessions hosted across campus. The regular Para Sport sessions that feature within the My Lifestyle programme, namely Wheelchair Basketball and Boccia, will remain in their usual slots and feature heavily during the week. Among others, sessions will be available in Wheelchair Handball, Inclusive Badminton, Sitting Volleyball, Inclusive Zone Basketball, visually impaired Tennis, Goalball, and Inclusive Futsal. A full timetable can be found across the Para Sport Exec’s social media (@lboroparasport).
Alongside the sessions run by the CVA’s Student Activators, outside organisations are also supporting the week, including taster sessions in Seated Netball and Goalball from Power2Inspire (https://www.power2inspire.org.uk/), Inclusive Badminton from Loughborough and Athletic Union Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball from Loughborough’s Athletic Union Wheelchair Basketball Club and a selection of Para Tennis opportunities (Wheelchair Tennis, Mini Tennis, Quiet Cardio Tennis and Softball Tennis) offered by elite Wheelchair Tennis Athletes and Coaches from Loughborough.
The Takeover Week is a great opportunity for students and staff to get involved with Para Sport at Loughborough University and illustrate the power of collaboration in running Para Sport events. The event will serve as an entry initiative to provide immediate opportunities for all to engage with Para Sport and seek to establish where new, permanent opportunities may be established.
Follow updates of the Para Sport Takeover Week through the Para Sport Exec (@lboroparasport) and Loughborough My Lifestyle (@lboromylifestyle) Social Media accounts.