Budding Athletes Warm Up For 2010 Paralympics With Annual Sports Event

Fifty aspiring athletes from across the region came together at Kent's Hoo Stadium on Tuesday 8th June for the annual Craegmoor Olympics Day. The gold, silver and bronze medal winners of the seven events will now compete for glory at Craegmoor's national final on 8th September at Wyndley Leisure Centre near Sutton Coldfield. Many also have their sights firmly set on the 2012 Paralympics.

8 June 2010

The event hosted by Craegmoor - the leading independent provider of support for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, autism and older people - is now in its third year. It has proven to be such a hit with competitors and spectators that regional trials have been rolled out throughout the country, culminating in a national final.

The real brains behind the Kent event was a committee of six people that Craegmoor supports in services around the region. Over the last six months, the team has carefully planned proceedings and decided on the six events - 100m run, 4 x 400m relay, javelin, long jump, wheelchair race and a special support worker race.

Alongside the sporting events, there was a charitable purpose to the day with funds raised from food, drink and games stalls and the £2 optional entrance fee being donated to Cancer Research and Diabetes UK.

Alex Scott, a member of the Committee and the elected Master of Ceremonies, said:

"I'm really pleased that the event went so well and that everyone had so much fun. We've put lots of time and effort into organising the Craegmoor Olympics and it's all paid off. Now I can't wait for the national final in September. Everyone will need to get training!"

Vicki Burley, Craegmoor's Quality Development Advisor - Engagement and Involvement, said:

"Craegmoor always wants to support people to do things that they are passionate about and enjoy. This is really what the Craegmoor Olympics is about. I'm thrilled that everyone had so much fun and that there was such a sense of team spirit. There were some great sporting performances and who knows, maybe we'll see one or two of them in the 2012 Paralympics."