RNN Group Celebrates International Disabilities Day

Staff and students at Rotherham College (part of the RNN Group), recently celebrated International Day of People with Disabilities by running a range of activities to celebrate the diversity of students and staff within the College and Group as a whole.

The theme of this year’s International Day of People with Disabilities was ‘Not all disabilities are visible’. A theme which shone a spotlight on hidden conditions such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, learning differences and cognitive dysfunction. It is estimated that 15% of the world population, or over one billion people, live with some form of disability.

RNN Group Project Lead for Health and Activity Katie Burns* organised the boccia event and coordinates a range of enrichment activities for all students across the Group’s three colleges.

Katie said: “It is great to have a dedicated space for physical activity here on campus. The new Active Zone gives us the opportunity to do small group activities like Boccia, table tennis, pilates, yoga, fitness and boxercise activities. Our students really benefit from these sessions where they get the opportunity to develop skills like teamwork, communication and leadership.

“We’ve committed to offering more support and awareness of the sport and physical activities available for students with disabilities and have made our pledge towards the Association of Colleges #InclusiveColleges campaign.”

RNN Group Deputy Principal/CEO Tracey Mace-Akroyd took part in a game of Boccia with students from the College’s FLEX department.

Tracey said: “Not all disabilities are visible and at the RNN Group we take the health and wellbeing of our students very seriously.

“This Active Zone is a great opportunity for our students to take part in inclusive sports and activities while being safe and operating within COVID guidelines. Today, I have joined the game of Boccia, where students and staff have had fun testing their accuracy and muscle control while competing in teams.

“I am proud of the commitment from our Health Leads, they offer a range of activities such as yoga, dance and boxercise for students to keep physically fit and healthy during this challenging time.”

 

Find out more about the RNN Group here.

*Correct at time of publication.