READING, July 2016, Reading Rockets have a long standing reputation for positive community involvement across Berkshire and their mission to make sport accessible to anyone and everyone sees them work with hundreds of children and adults across the county every year. Last week saw them raise the bar yet again through their involvement in the Special Olympics’ “Unified Sport” programme, in connection with Thierry Henry’s “One 4 All” Foundation, Special Olympics GB and the Youth Sport Trust.

With support from Basketball England’s Disability Participation Officer Jon Stonebridge, Rockets have been working alongside lead inclusion school for Berkshire, Arbour Vale Specialist Sports College in Slough, to pilot a new basketball programme.

Alongside Arbour Vale, pupils from seven Berkshire schools, including the home of Rockets’ own academy, John Madejski Academy, have spent the past 12 weeks playing together, those with intellectual disabilities alongside those without, in an effort to break down barriers and change perceptions of learning difficulties. The programme culminated in a UK first of its kind tournament, hosted by Rockets at JMA last Monday, 18 July.

Head of Community Programmes at Rockets, Steph Johnson was involved in the programme from day one.

Commenting on Monday’s tournament she said:

[su_quote]It was amazing to see it all come together. The players were so supportive of each other and it truly brought together individuals who may never have played sport together if it hadn’t been for the Play Unified programme[/su_quote]

In an exciting end to a truly groundbreaking morning, the team were thrilled to receive congratulations on the first ever UK Play Unified basketball event, from One 4 All charity founder Thierry Henry:
[su_quote]The passion that you are showing today in getting involved with this project is something that I value and admire. Your determination to help make change happen particularly around the issue of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in society is inspirational.

Johnson concluded that “Rockets are looking forward to their continued involvement in the programme.”

For more information on the programme and other Reading Rockets community involvement contact steph.johnson@readingrockets.co.uk