Pensioners and pupils are teaming up to play Paralympic sports together – building friendships and breaking down age barriers.
By taking part in Boccia and Kurling matches, students at Murray Park School in Mickleover, are not only discovering new passions but also forging meaningful connections with other generations.
Thanks to the Opening Schools Facilities Fund – a national initiative supported by the Department for Education and delivered via Active Partnerships – Murray Park received four boccia kits and a new-age kurling set to introduce these inclusive sports into the school.
The initiative is being rolled out across England, with over 180 schools benefiting so far and thousands of pupils engaging in new activities outside of the curriculum.
Sixty-five-year-old Joanne Jones, who ran the post office on Devonshire Drive for 25 years and now takes part in the inter-generational sessions, said: “After retiring four years ago, I really missed being part of the community and wasn’t sure how to fill my spare time. Then I heard about some free Boccia sessions at the Memorial Hall and absolutely loved them.
“It was there I found out about the inter-generational games at Murray Park, and I jumped at the chance to get involved.
“It’s lovely to reconnect with familiar faces from my post office days and meet new people too. The students always give us such a warm welcome, and there’s plenty of light-hearted banter and friendly competition.
“What I love most is how inclusive the sport is—anyone can take part, no matter their ability. It’s local, it’s different, and it’s so much fun.
“I feel like I’ve found a new way to stay active and connected with the community.”
Murray Park has since used the popularity of these sports to help strengthen its community ties, launching a series of inter-generational sessions designed to bring people together in a fun, supportive environment.
What started as a few outreach sessions during school hours soon evolved into a six-week after-school programme, where members of the community were invited to join in for just £2 per session.
Year 8 pupil Tabitha Bond, said: “I really like the balance of team spirit and competition. I was drawn to how accessible it is, lots of people at my church play it, and I wanted to be able to practise with them.
“I also have a disabled cousin and I’m planning to teach them how to play too.
“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know members of the community and playing with older people. I’d highly recommend everyone give it a go—it’s such a nice feeling to find a sport that everyone can enjoy.”
Boccia is a fully inclusive sport that can be adapted and played in many different ways to suit a wide range of disabilities and abilities, ensuring that everyone—from those with limited mobility to more able participants, can take part and enjoy the game.
Looking ahead, the school plans to offer lunchtime and after-school boccia clubs from September, with hopes of forming a Murray Park team to take part in local tournaments.
Due to growing interest in the sport, the school recently welcomed Pete McGuire from Boccia UK, who delivered a Level 1 Boccia Leaders session—qualifying both staff and students to lead their own boccia activities.
Year 9 student Danielle Cheshire added: “I was so keen to take part as soon as I saw it advertised at school.
“I love competitive sports like this. I love the way you can knock somebody out of the game I want to become a PE teacher one day, and this is definitely a sport I’ll be recommending and encouraging others to play.
“It’s also great to play with people from the community—it really adds an extra level of competition.”
Rachel Hollins, PE teacher at the school said: “It’s been incredible to see different generations come together through Boccia and Kurling, sharing in the enjoyment and friendly competition.
“The sport itself is so accessible, making it wonderful to watch pupils develop a genuine interest in something that everyone can take part in, regardless of ability.
“It’s been great to see them having fun while building strong connections and learning the true spirit of inclusion.
“Our goal is to keep raising the profile of the sport, encouraging more students at school and members of the wider community to get involved and enjoy it.”
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