On Tuesday 15th July 2025, Moorways Stadium played host to the first ever Annual Derbyshire SEN Athletics Competition. It was an event that may have been soaked in rain, but shone with joy, determination and unforgettable sporting spirit. Despite the weather doing its worst, nothing could dampen the energy of the 250 athletes who took to the track. As the ITV presenters covering the event perfectly put it, “It was all smiles in the rain.”

This landmark event was born from years of smaller inter-school sports days run by High Grange School, but this year, the vision grew. Too often, pupils with special educational needs miss out on the buzz of a real athletics meet due to social, sensory or accessibility barriers. The High Grange PE department saw an opportunity and took it. By hosting a full-scale meet in a professional stadium, we ensured every student, whatever their need, had the chance to feel like a true athlete. They walked onto the track, heard the starter’s pistol, and gave their all on a big stage.

Everything on the day was built around inclusion. From the carefully timed schedule to the calm warm-up areas, sensory zones and accessible facilities, every detail was thoughtfully planned to support neurodiverse and physically disabled athletes. Behind the scenes, it was a full team effort. The event was led by Alex Patrick (Assistant Head Teacher and Meet Director), supported by Emma Black on event operations and Ethan Hopkins as Athlete Liaison. High Grange staff rallied behind the event, with teaching assistants timing races and our sports students racing up and down the track all day, running results to the control booth with the dedication of seasoned professionals.

The weather may have been relentless, but so were the students. High Grange had several breakout stars, including Lewis Mayling, who seemed to be involved in nearly every event, and Harry Hughes, who led from the front and didn’t lose a single individual race all day. Marlowe Jenning delivered an outstanding all-round athletic performance, and the dynamic duo of Oliver Charlton-Potts and Theo Jaggard proved a force to be reckoned with in the middle-distance events. Meanwhile, Jack Prichard, our PE Student of the Year, added a fourth “C” to his already impressive trio of qualities. Cool, calm, collected and consistent, he competed with focus and grace in every event.

A healthy and respectful rivalry soon developed on the track between High Grange and St Clare’s. The two schools pushed each other to new heights, matching each other stride for stride in races throughout the day, and clearly earning each other’s admiration.

Competition was fierce across the board, and the demand for a second relay event was overwhelming after the first proved such a hit. The grand finale saw all schools cheering from the sidelines as the final race brought the stadium to life. With the last baton change complete, schools gathered eagerly to hear the results.

The medal ceremony, presented by Spud Man and Drew Redfern (Britain’s 5th Strongest Man), was a proud moment for all. Holbrook School for Autism were awarded third place, St Clare’s took second, and High Grange School were crowned the overall champions. But every student who competed was a champion in their own right. Thanks to the incredible generosity of Spondon Trophies, every single athlete went home with a 2025 participation medal, a powerful symbol of their hard work, courage and success.

While the athletics were the main attraction, the day was also a celebration of community. Spud Man’s legendary jacket potatoes kept everyone warm and well-fed, and a pop-up food stall brought even more flavour to the day. Staff and students gathered together not just to compete, but to connect.

The 2025 Derbyshire SEN Athletics Competition was more than an event. It was a movement. One that reminded us that with the right support and the right setting, every student can step into the spotlight and thrive. Rain or shine, our athletes showed what inclusion, resilience and teamwork really look like. We can’t wait to do it all again next year.