Folkestone Athletes Triumph Over Kentish Rivals In 2012 Paralympics Warm Up
Eight aspiring Folkestone athletes triumphed over their Kentish rivals last Tuesday (7th June), winning nine individual medals and one team medal between them at the annual Craegmoor Olympics Day held at Kent's Deangate Ridge Sports Complex (Hoo Stadium). The gold, silver and bronze medals winners will now compete for glory at Craegmoor's national final on 8th September at Wyndley Leisure Centre near Sutton Coldfield.
25th 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.
Two people with their sights firmly set on a national - and potential 2012 Paralympics win are gold medal winners Tim Brand and Alex Grove. Tim, who is supported at Craegmoor's Westview service, pulled through with a win in the walking event, whilst Alex of Turketel Road fought off his competition in the high jump. Another notable winner was Paul Best of The Cedars who came a close second in the wheelchair race to Margate's eventual winner, Verna Monkom.
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 eight events - 100m run, walking race, 4 x 4 relay, javelin, long jump, high 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."