Oxford,
04
June
2020
|
06:34
Europe/London

National Volunteers' Week: Sam's volunteering has a sporting flavour

This week is National Volunteers' Week (June 1-7). We are highlighting the work of volunteers across Oxfordshire including Sam who helps people get involved in sport.

Most of the volunteers for KEEN are from the Universities, schools and colleges around Oxfordshire. Sam who got involved after trialling an AllSorts session.

Sam said: ‘AllSorts is a sports session that runs for about three hours on a Saturday afternoon. We play football, cricket, boccia, bulldog, and loads of others, the aim is to be as inclusive as possible – AllSorts of abilities are welcome!"

Having always been involved in helping people with additional needs, Sam wanted to continue doing this and found KEEN who run a programme of regular and inclusive sessions and projects, support other organisations to be more inclusive and celebrate and promote inclusion.

Since they haven’t been able to hold sessions in the usual way, volunteers have instead been using online platforms to run activities, meaning people can still take part from their own homes.

Sam said: ‘Since the start of lockdown, I have been helping out with a casual chat session, where 3-5 session buddies facilitate conversation with 15+ participants. There are also several other sessions each week – spanning from drama classes to KEEN’s got talent!’

Volunteering is often a great opportunity to try and learn new things, since getting involved, Sam has coached football for the first time, designed and led quiz sessions, and has also been a part of shaping the future ambitions of KEEN.

Sam added: "Volunteering with KEEN is a great way to interact with a wide range of funny, happy people, and I usually have a big smile on my face. If you have any extra time on your hands, volunteer with KEEN! It is good for the soul (and the CV…)"

Find out more about KEEN by visiting keenoxford.org