BOSP Inclusive Swimming
Creating opportunities for all
BOSP Inclusive Swimming is a project set up in Basildon to provide the opportunity for children with complex disabilities or life-limiting illnesses to enjoy swimming.
Run from the hydrotherapy pool at the Pioneer Special Needs School in Basildon, the project enables the children to experience freedom of movement and relaxation that is not possible on a day-to-day basis, leading to increased fitness, confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing.
Children aged between 4-18 years old attend the project, and are living with multiple complex disabilities. The project offers swimming as it is an excellent activity for the target audience as it is a gentle form of non-weight bearing exercise. The warm water, combined with fun exercises has resulted in the improvement of the childrens range of movement, strengthening key muscles. It also acts as a muscle relaxant, leading to reduced pain and discomfort often experienced in joints and muscles.
Funded through Active Essex, they have offered support to BOSP to ensure their participants have the opportunity to attend physical activity and sport sessions, like swimming, which is readily available to their mainstream peers.
