STUDENTS at Wiltshire College were able to get out of their comfort zone this week as many took part in a sports festival designed for youngsters with disabilities or special educational needs.

The event, which is now in its third year, saw around 50 students from all four campuses take part in including boccia, sitting volleyball, tennis, football and goalball.

Emma Boore, who is a foundation studies lecturer, said she was delighted that her students were part of the festival.

She said: “These students will usually struggle in situations such as this where there is a lot of noise, a lot of different things going on and lots of people, but they all really loved it and were so happy.

“There was 100 per cent participation and it was really wonderful to see the smiles on all of their faces.”

The college works in partnership with Wiltshire and Swindon Sports Partnership, which helped to get funding to deliver coaching to supported learning students as well as buy specialise equipment, which was used for the sports festival event.

The Lawn Tennis Association also donated equipment including the paddles, soft balls and nets used for tennis.

Rob Paget and Matt Pearson, from Wiltshire Council’s Sports Development Team, have been involved with the festival for the past three years and were on hand to provide support and advice to the sport students.

Mr Paget said: “The first year was a trial and it was so successful that it has continued to grow.

“For that first event, we were much more involved, but the college and students have taken this on and we are extremely impressed at how well they have done.

“It is a great experience and opportunity for them as many young leaders have very little experience of working with people with disabilities.”