As part of West Ham United’s Players’ Project, a specialist school for children with complex learning needs received a visit from Hammers stars Adrian and Grady Diangana.
Corbets Tey Primary School - A Specialist College for Communication and Interaction in Upminster in Essex - have been taking part in the West Ham United Foundation’s Healthy Hammers six-week programme.
In celebration of their achievements, the first team players surprised pupils by joining them during a PE session.
The Healthy Hammers programme, which runs in partnership with Havering Council and Veggie Run, aims to educate pupils on how to follow a healthy lifestyle, with a focus on nutrition and exercise.
Nothing is impossible, and it is important that everybody talks to each other and works together to help everyone follow their dreams
Adrian
Sam Allen, a teacher at Corbets Tey Primary, said the programme had made a big impact at the school: “We’ve had six weeks of West Ham United Foundation coaches coming in and getting the children active with physical activity games. The children loved it; they were always counting down to their next session!
“A lot of the children are West Ham United fans so to have two players come in and interact brilliantly with the children was an amazing way to round off this experience. Visits like this provide a boost to everyone and help to motivate the children too. We all loved it!”
This latest Players’ Project activity saw the stars champion accessibility, equality and participation, chatting with pupils, assisting with skills development and even taking part in a penalty shoot-out.
Adrian spoke about the value activities like these have in uniting the community, saying: “It is so important to ensure that everything is inclusive to all. You have to make sure that everybody is involved and has the chance to enjoy themselves and improve their mobility.
“Nothing is impossible, and it is important that everybody talks to each other and works together to help everyone follow their dreams.”
Teammate Diangana agreed and added: “It’s been really enjoyable to be here and we’re pleased to have provided this support.”
West Ham United is focused on delivering opportunities so that all can thrive and, through the West Ham United Foundation, the Club provides a range of inclusive community outreach programmes.
These programmes see over 500 young people with disabilities engaged and encouraged to become more active, while developing new skills and improving confidence. Additionally, London Stadium is one of the most accessible stadiums in the country.
*For more information about West Ham United Foundation, click here.