A BIGGER and even better Waverley Para Games - targeting more Surrey schools - is on offer on July 7.

“I am delighted we are in a position to develop this event further,” Haslemere MP Jeremy Hunt said. “It would not be possible without the generous sponsorship of COINS Foundation and The DFN Foundation.

“More schools will be taking part from across the county. We are also giving schools a choice which sports they participate in for the first time to try and broaden the appeal and variety on offer to these young athletes.

“Once again we will be working with Active Surrey who do a fantastic job in coordinating everything to ensure the smooth running of the event on the day.”

The 2017 event will offer a choice of sports, all endorsed by National Governing Sports Bodies, and also link to local sports clubs to encourage greater participation in sport by children.

It will once more take place at The Charterhouse Club in Godalming, Surrey, and the move from its usual spring date to the summer, will not only give schools more time to prepare but also make more use of the club’s extensive outdoor facilities.

Local Paralympian Rachel Morris MBE is supporting the event again, along with international para dressage rider Erin Orford and other athletes.

Last year 150 SEND students, aged 11 to 14, from Surrey schools took part and hopefully this year’s event will attract even more competitors.

“We are trying to create more participation in sports and activity throughout the year rather than making this one day of sport for these children,” Wendy Newton, youth sports development manager Active Surrey, said.

“This is why we have made more of getting a firm commitment from the national governing bodies of sport and where possible, local sports clubs, to get their ‘buy-in’ and help after our event.

The club facilities include a sports hall, several studios, a pool, outdoor athletics and astro pitches, which has enabled the organisers to expand and diversify the programme and include a more significant specialist training element for local teachers.

• Surrey schools interested in getting involved are asked to email [email protected]