Click here to watch the video

Around 160 young people aged 14-25 took up the College's invitation and attended the two day inclusive sports festival. Participants with learning disabilities from 12 schools, colleges and community groups made the trip to Paignton, where South Devon College Students led activities at the Vantage Point site and local partner facilities.The event also marked the college's acceptance in to the London 2012 Get Set Network of schools and colleges embracing the Games and the Values.

South Devon College brought together existing smaller programmes and forged new partnerships to create the 'Special Inspiration Games' as an enjoyable learning experience for everyone. College sports and uniformed public services students led sessions to inspire the next generation of Olympic, Paralymic and Special Olympic hopefuls. College media students were even on hand to produce a video report on the event. Special guests at the Games were sporting legends and football managers Graham Taylor OBE and Lawrie McMenemy MBE .

College principal Stephen Criddle said, "We are very pleased to be welcomng partner colleges to our Inspiration Games...[and creating] opportunities for young people with learning disabilities to participate in a huge range of sporting activities".

McMenemy, former FA Cup winning manager of Southampton FC and Special Olympics GB chairman, was equally enthusiastic: "It's been marvellous ... to see so many lads and lasses taking part and enjoying themselves. Because of what the college is doing here, we are going to be able to develop the Special Olympics in Devon."

The Games began with a day of Unified Football led by Football Academy students followed by a day of mixed sports recognised by the Special Olympics Movement, from Boccia to Basketball. Members of the College's Women's Football Academy were so inspired to see young girls participating and enjoying the football on day one that they have pledged to establish and support a new 'Girls Special Football Team'!

Ex-England boss Taylor, was particularly impressed. He said: "Whether we are disabled or not, we ... need people to be there to coach and teach. All of these young people need to be complimented. It's been very impressive."

FESCO and organiser Lynn Squire said: “Students have been involved in the planning and running (of the Special Inspiration Games) right since the start. Young people were part of the process and had a voice within it. (Our students) have learned a lot and are keen to do it again.”

Developing inclusive opportunities for young people and adults is a passion at South Devon College, which already runs disability sports programmes such as wheelchair football in partnership with Devon FA. In engaging with London 2012 and Special Olympics GB they saw an opportunity to help young people in their community to access sport, social activity and pathways to developing themselves.

College tutor Alan Walker, the co-ordinator of the Games, said: “We are proud that our event has been officially approved by Special Olympics GB. It’s the first of its kind in the area and we are hoping that it will lead to the development of the Special Olympics movement in South Devon. The College believes in giving young people opportunities and inspiring them to learn."

Reflecting on the success of the Games, Squire said: “Every outcome is a good one. This is just the start of something that's going to get bigger and better. That's what South Devon College does; we don't sit back and say 'that was great', we think 'what can we do to make it excellent?'”

To watch the video (produced by College Student Jonathan Palfrey) click here (this video was featured on regional television)

To read the BBC Sport article featuring the Special Inspiration Games, click here

For more information contact Lynn Squire or Alan Walker