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OIAM Indoor Athletics ends on a high – celebrating friendship, fitness, and fun!

As the school term draws to a close and summer begins, One In A Million Charity is celebrating the end of another inspiring year of our Indoor Sportshall Athletics Programme - a vibrant, inclusive, and safe space where children and young people have come together every week to grow in confidence, build friendships, and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Far more than just a sporting session, our Indoor Athletics initiative has become a vital hub of social cohesion and personal development for children across the Bradford district. The programme has welcomed participants of all abilities to explore events such as sprinting, long jump, and javelin—indoors and out of the elements! More importantly, it has offered a safe, nurturing environment where children can burn off energy, learn new skills, and feel a real sense of belonging.

  • “It’s not just about sport – it’s about YOU having fun, feeling great, and making new friends in a safe, friendly place where everyone is welcome”.

Across the weeks, children have developed team-building skills, resilience, self-esteem, and a growing awareness of how exercise boosts their mood, focus at school, and sleep at night. For many, this has been their first introduction to structured physical activity, and the results have been heart-warming.

Parents have been quick to share the difference it’s made:

Jessica, mum of Finlay and Noah, shared:

  • “A huge thanks from the Burness family to the team—Toks, Ray and Mark—for everything they’ve done for my boys. They’ve benefitted so much. I first saw the session from the gym at Sedbergh, and I knew straight away it would be great for my sons—and it really has been!”.

Parent of Violet said:

  • “Thanks for the coaching and the awards—it’s the first time Violet’s ever been given something like this, and it made her week. Thank you so much!”.

Lisa, another parent, added:

  • “We’ve only been coming a short while, but it’s been brilliant to connect with other parents and see my children so engaged. They love it and they sleep well after!”.

Emma, mum to two young participants, said:

  • “This has been great for my two. The coaches are so nice. My daughters love coming, and I’ve been telling other parents in BD12 to bring their kids too. A massive thank you!”.

And it’s not just the parents noticing the change. The young athletes themselves are feeling the difference:

  • Sarah shared: “I really enjoy the sessions and seeing how I can get better each week at different events”.
  • Jack added: “I think I’ve got faster when I sprint now, which makes me feel good!”.

As we wrap up for the summer, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible volunteer coaches Toks, Ray, and Mark, for their selfless dedication and unwavering commitment to the children week in, week out. Their encouragement, positivity, and enthusiasm have made every session a highlight in the lives of so many young people.

From everyone at One In A Million and from the many children, parents, and families you’ve impacted, thank you.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new term!