Hemel SEND Family Fun Day brings families together for inclusive activity

Families with young people with SEND and individuals from Adult Day services came together at Jarman Park Athletics Track in Hemel Hempstead on Saturday 1st August for a fun-filled day of inclusive sport and physical activity as part of No Limits 2026 Campaign - Hertfordshire’s Year of Disability Sport & Physical Activity. The event also featured as part of the Hertstogether – Bringing Hertfordshire Communities Together movement, a countywide initiative celebrating the compassion, unity and community spirit that make the county stronger headed up by Robert Voss, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, contributing to the one of its seven themes: Sport & Wellbeing.

Around 100 children, parents and carers attended the event, which was commissioned to be delivered by Apex 360 as part of the year-long No Limits 2026 campaign. The initiative that aims to break down barriers to sport and physical activity for disabled people, showcase inspiring stories and create lasting change in how people access opportunities to be active.

Held on a dry and sunny summer’s day, the event offered a wide range of activities designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children and families of all abilities. Participants spent the morning rotating around the different activities, including inflatable obstacle courses, football arena, and Batak wall, crazy golf, soft archery, swing ball, and an inflatable football shooter. All attendees were invited to spend the day enjoying the free activities with a picnic and given a co-branded T shirt to foster a sense of belonging.

One of the biggest successes of the day was the adapted bike session, provided by Hertfordshire Disability Sports Foundation. A variety of three wheelers, two wheelers and hand cycles gave people of all abilities the opportunity to develop their cycling skills, with some managing to ride for the first time and others progressing from three-wheelers towards two wheels.

The impact extended beyond the children too. One family member attending the event had never ridden a bike before but, with encouragement and support, began learning from scratch. Following the session, they are now planning to take part in a learn-to-ride programme – demonstrating how a single event can help create confidence and open the door to new opportunities for physical activity.

The afternoon saw the focus shift to the athletics track, where families took part in a series of relay races down the 100-metre track. The enthusiasm was infectious, with some children choosing to run several times and enjoying the chance to compete alongside friends and family.

Adding to the atmosphere throughout the day was the Mix 92.6 radio team, who broadcast their entire Saturday Brunch show live from the event. Music helped create a lively atmosphere, while attendees, No Limits Ambassadors and dignitaries were also given the opportunity to take part in interviews and share their experiences.

Chantelle Nassari, Mix Radio 92.6 Reporter said:

‘Hertfordshire’s Mix 92.6 team were honoured to be part of the Hemel SEND Family fun day. As a community radio station, this event entirely encompassed everything that we are about. We do live outside broadcasts to embed ourselves in our community and to authentically represent the natural beauty and diversity of Hertfordshire. We always aim to interact and capture a sense of the energy for our listeners. This event was so vibrant and there was a real sense of belonging. Thank you for welcoming us so warmly.’

The event was supported by representatives from Herts Disability Sports Foundation, the Herts Sport and Physical Activity Partnership and Dacorum Borough Council Officers who joined families at the event. Anna Rankin, High Sheriff of Hertfordshire also kindly attended the event, immersing herself in the atmosphere and activities as it closely aligned with her theme of the year Family - ‘where families thrive, communities Flourish’

The positive response from families highlighted the success of the day.

One parent said:

“I just wanted to say please pass on my thanks to all who organised Saturday’s fun day. My family had such a great time, really lovely event and we met some really nice people who were fab with my kids.”

The Hemel SEND Family Fun Day provided a memorable day of activity, but more importantly demonstrated what can be achieved when inclusive opportunities are created for families to get active, try something new and have fun together.