Bristol Rugby Community Spectrum Project Hailed As Huge Success

The Spectrum Project saw Doug McLaughlin-Williams and the Bristol Flyers work with a group of fourteen to sixteen year-olds at New Fosseway Special School in Hartcliffe, to develop a brand of “Open Basketball” that is accessible to all.

Stripping the sport back to its most basic (and fun) elements, students dribbled, passed and shot their way to meaningful and competitive participation for all – laughing and smiling all the way.

Programme manager, Kris Tavender said: “we have had lots of fun with Doug and the Bristol Flyers this term”.

He added: “it’s a fantastic experience for all the kids involved in the project and for a professional basketball player to come in and train with them and teach them, has been great”.

The Spectrum Project increases and develops provision for young people with special educational needs and disabilities in the areas of sport, leisure and personal development, through tailored programmes ranging from 5-36 weeks.

Next term the Spectrum Project will continue to refine students “Open Rugby” skills. Pupils from Warmley Park and Kingsweston School will be training and preparing for the South West Youth Wheelchair Rugby Tournament in partnership with Team GB.

For more information on any of Spectrum's provision, please email Programme Manager, Kris Tavender at ktavender@bristolrugby.co.uk.