District 1180 Disabled Games

The President welcomed John Barker from the Rotary Club of Sutherland, Sydney who is the brother in law of Mike Houlston.

Colin Sullivan from the Rotary Club of Saughall was introduced by Dennis Parton to speak on the 1180 Disabled Games of which he is Chairman.

The disabled Games was an idea from two Rotarians Joan Jones & John Astles in 1999, the first games was held at the Kings School in 2000, in Chester, when MBNA asked if we would care to use their fantastic facilities called the field of dreams, This year will be our 16^th year, the date is Sunday 11^th September 2016.

The Games, which are free, are designed to give adults with learning difficulties an opportunity to take part in activities they would not normally be able to access, and there is a range of sports available, including Archery, Cricket, Tennis, Cycling, Golf, Darts, Basketball, Table Tennis, Kurling and Bowls, as well as fun activities such as Penalty Shoot-Out, Skittles, Velcro Target, Boccia, Softball and Assault Course. 

We expect over 300 competitors from all over the region, from Liverpool to Oswestry and from Anglesey to Sandbach, most attending as groups from a local support club but also individuals with their parents or carers. For everyone, it is a great fun day out in the open air with the chance to try their hand at new activities, socialise, meet other groups, and picnic in the extensive grounds of the sports field.  The highlight for the competitors is the medal presentation ceremony at the end of the Games when everyone who took part receives a medal, last year presented by Bill Holroyd, the High Sheriff of Chester.  The day was rounded off with impromptu singing and dancing led by the Elektric Apple Theatre Company.

The event requires a large number of willing and enthusiastic volunteers, and 35 Rotary Clubs from the District provide over 225 volunteer helpers on the day.  As well as running the various game activities, there are teams for car parking, equipment, cloakroom and bags, volunteer and competitor registration and an excellent catering team who provide sandwiches and hot and cold drinks throughout the day.

Although the event itself is free to all participants, sadly the one thing that prevents more disabled groups from attending is the cost of transport.  Last year, we successfully matched up some groups with their local Rotary Clubs who offered to provide the necessary funding and help organise suitable transport to the Games.  This co-operation is a huge help in enabling local, poorly funded groups to enjoy a wonderful day’s outing for their members, and we are hoping that more of our District Rotary Clubs will include this support in their 2016 programme.

Everyone agreed that the happiness and excitement on the faces of the competitors as they participate in and achieve what they thought was impossible, make it all worthwhile.

Experience the fun of the Games at www.chesterdisabledgames.co.uk  and should clubs wish to be involved in next year’s Games please contact Granville Bell, the Games Volunteer Co-ordinator, at volunteers@chesterdisabledgames.co.uk  or 07808093303.

Colin Sullivan