Leeds Charity Launching New Inclusive Event For All Children And Families

Local Leeds charity SNAPS (Special Needs And Parent Support) is launching a brand new accessible event for families.

The SNAPS Superhero Zoom is an inclusive event, being held on Sunday 15 September, that gives children up to the age of 18 the opportunity to take part in a sponsored event similar to a fun run.  It is open to all children and their families, and is fully accessible to everyone.

During the day, those attending will have access to an athletics track and are encouraged to wheel, run or walk as much of the track as they wish.  Volunteers will be cheering on the participants, and every child will be presented with a medal once they have completed their ‘zoom’.

SNAPS Yorkshire has been working in Leeds for more than 15 years, offering physiotherapy and a supportive environment to children with additional needs and their families.

An official launch is taking place this week and Jenny Sellers, Community Fund-raising Manager of SNAPS, said: “The Superhero Zoom is a natural extension of what SNAPS offers as a charity.  We really want to ensure that our families have the chance to take part in events and activities that their peers take for granted such as fun run type events.

“Our research has not found any similar events specifically geared towards children with additional needs, so we’re excited to provide a sponsored event that has them in mind yet is inclusive of the whole family.”

National law firm Irwin Mitchell is supporting the event.

Expert Opinion

“The SNAPS Superhero Zoom will be a fun-filled day for children of all abilities and their families.

We are proud to support SNAPS as our charity of the year at the Leeds office and we highly commend the work they carry out in the local area. I encourage everyone to do the same by coming along to the event in September.”
Ross McWilliams - Partner

Lora Bedford, Parent Trustee, said: “We are so excited that we can be part of an event that is fully inclusive for our children.  Knowing that my son, who is a wheelchair user, will be able to take part in a run really puts us at ease as clearly someone has had a think about all the issues that worry us in taking part in an event like this.

“It’s a great opportunity for the whole family to have a fun day while raising money for an incredible charity whose hard work means so much to so many children and families.”

The event in September will take place at John Charles Centre for Sport.  Entry is £5 per child and will include a superhero cape to wear, as well as a medal to mark their achievement.

SNAPS is also seeking volunteers to help at the event.  If anyone would like to take part, volunteer or simply find out more, visit www.snapsyorkshire.org/zoom.