Expanded Disability Journalism Programme Set For Kick-Off

After a resounding success across three Bristol special schools, the DJP (Disability Journalism Programme) has expanded to cover footage, reports and match days for Bristol Sport’s basketball franchise – and students will have their first taste of the BBL when the Flyers take on Worcester Wolves on Saturday night (January 14^th).

The DJP runs on a five-workshop structure, based around a Bristol Sport match day experience and involving leading players from each club. As well as input from the on-field stars, the programme is further enhanced by the Bristol Sport media department, who lend their skills and share their experiences of the media industry.

FACING THE MUSIC: Bristol Rugby players Alec Clarey, Ollie Robinson and James Newey take questions from Spectrum Project's budding journalists.

For Spectrum Project programme manager, Kris Tavender the expansion of the DJP is a hugely exciting prospect:

“It is great to take this hugely successful model with the rugby and transfer it to the funk and vibrancy of Flyers basketball at SGS Wise Arena, as well as introducing these incredible young people to the thrill of the Bristol-Bath derby,” he said.

“The support from Bristol Sport, Bristol Rugby and Bristol Flyers has been overwhelming and has really added that ‘wow factor’ to the experience of the kids, as well as showing how much our professional sportspeople really care about the good work happening throughout the community.”

ON CAMERA: One of the programmes young reporters speaks to Bristol Sport's Georgia Stone.

Targeting 11-19 year olds with a range of additional needs including severe learning difficulties and autism, the programme is grounded within the literacy curriculum, providing meaningful community inclusion.