With the enthusiasm that symbolises all Achieve together events, more than 100 people gathered to take part in a host of sports at the David Weir Leisure Centre in Carshalton. Despite dark clouds, the rain held off and the sun even shone for a while. Hurrah! Time to get warmed up!
People we support and team members from 18 homes arrived ready to show off their sporting prowess or just enjoy the atmosphere. Some travelled from as far as Brighton. A team of 23 volunteers, many from the Finance Team, helped to keep score and keep the programme on track. The highly successful day was organised by the Co-production Team and Unity members.
Madam Deputy Mayor of Sutton, Louise Phelan, joined us for the second year – putting her strength behind the women’s team in the tug of war. She also presented medals together with our sporting hero, Special Olympian Ben Fai Lankshear.
Range of events
First off, people and Support Workers warmed up on a range of fun bicycles – including trikes, some for use with a wheelchair, and recumbent hand and foot cycles. Thank you to Ecolocal for being part of our day.
Next up, people we support and team members competed in a series of running races around the track. Cheers, smiles, high fives and celebrations abounded as each person crossed the line.
Alongside this, bean bag throwing was a popular option as was new age kurling and high jump. Inside the sports centre, people competed in singles and doubles badminton matches. Alternatively, they tested their balance on the surf simulator and took photos at the selfie mirror.
Cameraderie and sportsmanship
Brave souls donned padded sumo suits and wrestled each other to the ground, while others participated in the more sedate egg and spoon walking races. Many took the opportunity to try long jump, javelin and discus or enjoy parachute games. The camaraderie of the relay race with its mix of people supported and team members in each team, was truly joyful to witness.
Keenly entered by more than 40 people, the tug of war challenge signalled the end of the championship. The day concluded with the medal ceremony, complete with podium.
See some of the action below – we’re looking forward to next year already.
