Inclusive Sports in Action: College Leads Floor Curling and Boccia Festival for Local ASN Schools
West Lothian College welcomed more than 65 pupils from four local ASN (additional support needs) schools to campus for a Floor Curling and Boccia Festival.
Pupils from Beatlie School Campus, Cedarbank School, Pinewood School and Ogilvie School Campus took part in the event, which was delivered in partnership with Scottish Curling and Active Schools.
The festival was designed to promote inclusive physical activity while giving the college’s Level 6 Sport Coaching students valuable hands-on experience. The students planned and led ten activity stations, adapting challenges to suit pupils of all abilities and helping to create a fun, supportive environment throughout the morning.
Rhiannon Butterfield, Disability and Inclusion Development Officer at Scottish Curling, said: “Floor curling for the pupils started with my Curling 360 ASN project, which is a project that brings schools together. The work that the college have done to bring all those schools into one space is something that is truly special.”
The event highlights the college’s commitment to inclusive sport while offering students meaningful opportunities to build confidence, leadership and coaching experience.
Jess Westcough, West Lothian College’s Active Campus Coordinator, added: “Working with Rhiannon at Scottish Curling and being involved in the Curling 360 programme has allowed us to introduce floor curling across campus and into the wider community, creating more inclusive opportunities for our students.
“The programme has also played a key role in developing our Level 6 Sports Coaching students, particularly through inclusive practice and engagement with local ASN schools.”
Sports and Fitness Lecturer Laura Burns, who organised the event, praised the students for their professionalism and adaptability.
She said: “I’m incredibly proud of our students, who delivered a fantastic indoor curling and Boccia event. They have not only developed their coaching skills but also grown in confidence as they adapted each activity to suit participants of all abilities. It was a brilliant example of inclusive sport in action.”