Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy (TWOA) is celebrating the arrival of three brand new disability bikes.
As a special school for children with highly complex physical and sensory needs, the bikes form part of TWOA’s commitment to invest in resources that support its students’ development and wellbeing, ensuring all children can access enriching sporting activities.
Made possible through a grant from the Open Schools Fund and specifically designed and shipped from the Netherlands, the bikes will further improve accessibility and development opportunities for students.
Many of the students at TWOA experience very limited independent movement and these new bikes offer a transformative experience for them, allowing them to engage in an activity which promotes both physical and emotional wellbeing. By providing the chance to feel the joy of speed and motion, the bikes offer an exciting new sensory experience for the students.
The academy’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA) played a crucial role in supporting the initiative, helping to clear storage space and selling some of the previous bikes to generate additional funds.
To celebrate this milestone, the Academy is planning an official inauguration event in partnership with Ipswich Eagles, the region’s Limitless Champion Club, which has worked closely with the academy to create opportunities for students to visit the cycling track, helping all young people to build a love for sport.
Emily Webster and Helen Dickenson, Co-Principals at Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Academy, said: “We are thrilled to introduce these new bikes, which will have a profound impact on students’ physical and emotional wellbeing.
“At TWOA, we are committed to ensuring every learner can access meaningful and enriching experiences and this investment reflects our dedication to providing inclusive opportunities for all. We are incredibly grateful to the Open Schools Fund for making this possible and to our wonderful PTA and the Ipswich Eagles for their ongoing support.”