Currently special needs schools budgets are tight and this puts a strain on the types of activities the children can enjoy on days out. Days out are a vital part of the children lives as it is where they experience the most excitement and enjoyment. It is something we can take for granted, but is a rare and special treat for these children.

That is why we held a family fun day at the school 'Sports Day 2016' to raise money specifically to fund the special needs children of Columbus Discovery Club, in Chelmsford, to go to Clacton beach for the day.

The sports day aimed to raise all the money needed to fully fund the day out to the beach. The children of the discovery club love going to the beach as it is a chance to feel, see and run around on the sand and in the sea whilst interacting with the friends and making new memories their families can enjoy. Additionally the beach has special wheelchairs available which makes the day accessible for the disabled children of the club who sometimes have to miss out on days out as not all locations/activities are suitable/wheelchair friendly.

The event was a big hit where we saw 8 teams competing in football, netball, tug of war, skittles and sit down volleyball to be named Sports Day 2016. Columbus Crew were named the champions and the team included some of the children from the school which was great fun for them. Everyone involved now wants to make this an annual event.

Even though we had a good turn out for the day, had great donations from the Co-op for all the BBQ food and help from some of the staff and families, we were only able to reach £800 of the £3,300 needed to fully fund the day.

We tried corporate sponsorship for the event however we were too late in asking for these local companies.

We are now creating this page and putting it out there to raise the final amount by the end of June so the day can be booked and the Discovery Club can have an enjoyable, memorable day out to Clacton beach.