The Penguin Sports Foundation provides sport and rehab opportunities for children with physical disabilities in North Devon and beyond.

We provide a Hydrotherapy programme with 1:1 sessions, an after school Hydrotherapy Club and an after school Frame Running Club. We also work with schools, offering Adaptive Athletics programmes for those children who struggle to access in mainstream sport and activities.

Our latest development is Rebound Trampoline Therapy, which we have recently launched as a pilot programme at Air Extreme in Barnstaple!

At The Penguin Sports Foundation, we strive to get you moving in your own way. Like Penguins, we can't fly. However, we can function on land and in water! Disabilities can sometimes be limiting, but do not and should not define individuals. Anything and everything is possible with the right support.

Do you know there are 18 different species of penguins and, like us, they can vary hugely in their shape and size? Out of the water, penguins have an upright stance and tend to waddle, hop, run or belly slide to get around. They can find walking tricky too! In water penguins are awesome, as the water gives them a new freedom of movement.

More about the foundation

  • "The Calvert pool has built his confidence up to take part in swimming. He likes the fact that other children that attend are likely on the spectrum or have a disability like him. It gave him the confidence to try horse riding at the centre.”

  • "Frame running is absolutely amazing. Z loves being part of the majority which he does not get to experience very often.”

  • "It was always a joyful activity of our week. It is a big part of family dynamic, especially with navigating different aspects of disability. The sessions were well thought out, and I could see what difference it made for L - both strictly physio, and her overall wellbeing. After so many failed attempts at getting her the right treatment, this experience was such a gift."

  • "We loved loved loved our experience with all the team. Hugely appreciated too that siblings were welcome to join in as well for a small extra fee.”

  • "Penguin has given us routine and regular activities to look forward to. They are fun and varied too. It has played a massive part in allowing G to grow in strength and confidence. It is a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Gemma is an incredible role model and should be so proud of Penguins. There is nothing else like this charity that we have seen, and we are grateful to have access to this. Especially at frame running where there are physios and OTs all on hand. Fantastic!!!”

  • "T is able to stand for longer, her balance is greater. Her overall core strength has improved. We have seen her stamina increase and she seems to have better control over her strides.”

  • "H now has a willingness to try and practice skills such as throwing and catching a ball. H also feels he can move so much faster. Lovely to see his confidence grow for a child who "hates" PE he had really enjoyed the sessions as the environment has been more to his ability so he's not given up from the start."

  • "The ladies of The Penguin Sports Foundation are extremely knowledgeable, they offer support and guidance with great care and compassion, thank you to everyone involved.”

  • "Excellent charity that goes above and beyond”

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