Lifeways, The Odell Centre, Spectrum Days and Worcestershire County Council joined forces to host a sports festival across Worcestershire to celebrate Learning Disability Week.
From Monday, June 15, hundreds of people enjoyed a week of inclusive sporting activities, bringing communities together and encouraging people to take part in everything from table tennis and pickleball to energetic Zumba sessions.
The week began at the Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove on Monday, before moving to Wyre Forest Leisure Centre in Kidderminster on Tuesday, Abbey Stadium Sports Centre in Redditch on Wednesday, Our Way in Kidderminster on Thursday, and Spectrum Days in Droitwich on Friday.
Sarah Eastwood, Service Manager for Lifeways’ Stourside Supported Living service in Stourport-on-Severn, who played a key role in organising the festival, said: “We’re all incredibly proud of how this week has turned out.
“Everyone involved in organising the festival has been fantastic to work with, and it’s been wonderful to see so much support from the wider community. Over the past few weeks, local businesses, GP surgeries and community organisations have all helped spread the word and get behind the event.”
People supported by Lifeways across the area also played a key role in bringing the event to life, with one designing the medals presented to all participants on the day and another creating the certificates.
Sarah continued: “Seeing the people we support across the county getting involved, trying new activities and enjoying themselves has made all the hard work worthwhile. The festival has introduced so many of them to sports and activities they may not otherwise have experienced, and we’re now looking at opportunities for them to continue taking part through regular sessions in the future.
“Events like this show the difference that inclusive opportunities can make, helping people build confidence, stay active and connect with others in their community.”
Area Manager Craig Taylor added: “What a brilliant event this turned out to be. It was great to see so many smiling faces, with everyone getting stuck into the activities. Bringing people together and keeping active is so important and it was genuinely inspiring to see that energy and enthusiasm from everyone involved.”
Bernie Green, Office & Finance Manager for The Odell Centre, said the event grew from a simple idea into a county-wide celebration of inclusive sport.
What started as a discussion about holding a sports day at Wyre Forest Leisure Centre soon expanded, with a number of organisations coming together to help bring the festival to life.
“Everyone has been fantastic in the run-up to this week. Lifeways, the Odell Centre and Spectrum Days have all had people they support attending across every day of the festival,” said Bernie.
“It’s been a zero-budget project, so without donations, the money we raised through various raffles, and the generosity of the venues involved, this simply would not have been possible. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make it happen.”
As part of the festival, Wyre Forest Leisure Centre in Kidderminster generously provided its facilities free of charge, supporting the event by hosting Tuesday’s activities.
The centre was transformed into a hub of activity, with participants enjoying badminton, pickleball, a penalty shootout challenge, table tennis and a lively splat the rat station, all designed to offer fun, inclusive opportunities for everyone to get involved.
Holly Cashmore, Healthy Communities Manager for the Wyre Forest Leisure Centre, said: “We’ve got the facilities, so why wouldn’t we support a fantastic event like today. It’s brought the community together, which is exactly what we want to see.
“For me, this has been about showcasing what we’ve got to offer for everybody. This isn’t just a leisure centre, it’s a community hub, and I’m passionate about bringing people in and giving them a sense of belonging.”
