SDS is excited to be supporting the development of the Daily Mile Inclusion Model which provides a participant centered approach which will provide guidance to teachers, support staff and volunteers to include learners with disabilities in the Daily Mile.
The model currently being developed reinforces the message of inclusion that was promoted at the launch of the Daily Mile Partnership yesterday in Glasgow.
Catherine Goodfellow, Scottish Disability Sport Chairperson attended the launch and was delighted to see so many of the learners enjoying participating in the Daily Mile with World Champion Frame Runner Kayleigh Haggo.
The Daily Mile, supported by INEOS, has entered an exciting new partnership with the UK Athletics, Athletics Northern Ireland, England Athletics, Scottish Athletics and Welsh Athletics. These partnerships emphasise a shared commitment from the organisations across the UK, helping to demonstrate the important role that physical activity plays in the physical and mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.
The partnership was launched in a celebration between the two organisations. The union will help bring ambassadors together, from Olympic and Paralympic athletes to key people from the athletics community – inspiring both young people and teachers to get involved and become a part of The Daily Mile community.
The Daily Mile is a transformative initiative where children run, jog, wheel or walk for fifteen minutes every day. The initiative has enjoyed phenomenal success since it was started by Elaine Wyllie eight years ago when she was headteacher at a primary school in Stirling.
Elaine Wyllie MBE, founder of The Daily Mile has commented, ‘I’m delighted that we will be working together with UKA and the Home Nations. This is an exciting new partnership for The Daily Mile working with leading governing bodies to promote the physical and mental health benefits of The Daily Mile. I am particularly excited about a focus on inclusion and ensuring children with a disability are provided with the opportunity to participate. It is important to me that irrespective of age, ability or background The Daily Mile is accessible to all and is fun for all. This partnership will help us deliver this ambition.’
Sport and physical activity have an important role to play when discussing mental and physical wellbeing, both which have suffered immensely during the last 18 months. As the country continues to respond to the challenges and effects of the pandemic, and it’s crucial to appreciate the role of this in the long-term recovery of the virus.
Collaborative working is at the forefront of these partnerships. The bringing together of these teams will result in a greater focus on physical activity and sport, as part of a national initiative towards positive health and wellbeing for primary aged children.
Inclusivity and accessibility has always been at the heart of The Daily Mile – getting young people involved regardless of ability. The partnership is committed to supporting schools and teachers in providing opportunities for children with a disability to participate, so ensure they’re able to enjoy all of the benefits of physical activity. The focus is always on the child’s ability, and appropriate adjustments or modifications can be made to ensure a positive experience. For more information on The Daily Mile and this partnership, please visit: www.thedailymile.co.uk.
If you or anyone you know would like to know more about opportunities to participate or volunteer in, please telephone 0131 317 1130 or alternatively email admin@scottishdisabilitysport.com