Margate Athletes Truimph Over Kentish Rivals In 2012 Paralympics Warm Up

Four aspiring Margate athletes triumphed over their Kentish rivals last Tuesday (7th June), winning gold and bronze medals in the wheelchair race, a bronze in the 100 metres and bronze in the javelin at the annual Craegmoor Olympics Day held at Kent's Deangate Ridge Sports Complex (Hoo Stadium). The two winners in the wheelchair race - Verna Monkom and Amanda Cole of Craegmoor's Windsor House and Kingston services, in Westgate-on-Sea and Westbrook respectively - will now compete for glor

25 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 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."