The North East Get Sporty
When the North East planned an afternoon of activities after receiving their ‘Sporty Summer Celebration grant’ of up to £800, the turnout was amazing. Around 30 of our services and 60 people from across the region gathered at Harton Welfare Club in South Shields on a bright, clear Wednesday morning.
Development Officer Nicole Richardson said: “The grant made it possible to get everyone from services all over our region together, which is not a regular occurrence. We were able to provide a coach for people we support from Teesside, buy craft supplies, equipment, carnival games, prizes and decorations.”
The Club has a huge playing field where people set up picnic blankets or played a bit of mini golf and Splat the Rat, where the rat was made by staff member Shirley from an old pair of jeans! The opening ceremony was grand; Development Officer Lucy Dearlove read out the award categories to the Chariots of Fire theme tune, setting the tone for what would be an epic day.
Everyone was eager to start the games, but the first step to any great sport is a warm up. Pauline, Staff Training & Development Assessor, volunteered to lead some yoga exercises so everyone could stretch their muscles in preparation. What followed was a Mini-Olympics, covering all the bases with discus, javelin, an egg and spoon race, a three-legged race, and a relay race.
Ann-Marie and Sven ran like the wind in the relay. Sven was proud of the Red Team for bringing home the victory! The egg and spoon race led to much hilarity between staff members as eggs came crashing to the ground by the dozen. The javelin throw was a moment to remember, and Cassie was shocked by how far her discus soared through the air!
Inside the Club, there was a creative corner for those who like to get crafty. People we support including Steven and Gary were colouring in wooden shakers as well as writing encouraging messages on paper flags to wave at competitors outside. Others took part in a sport-themed bingo!
Also inside were folks from Stockton, selling novelty gnomes called ‘Gonks’ at £5 each to raise money for days out. Staff had seen the craft process on TikTok, and with the help of people we support, made Gonks with bags of rice, pairs of slipper socks and homemade pompoms.
The tombola was a huge hit. Claire said “I would love to win that box of toffees.” Fingers crossed Claire!
We also spoke to Sven, who is chair of the Service User Forum in the North East. Sven said: “The event has been great. The penalty shootout and relay were the best bits.”
At the awards ceremony, Derek presented gold, silver and bronze certificates and medals. Cassie said “I won gold! It feels amazing to finally find a sport I’m good at – discus.”
The day finished with Ann-Marie singing “Circle of Life” from Lion King and everyone swaying in time with the music. Ann-Marie said, “It’s a wonderful day to get together. Thank you and I love you all – especially Nicole.”
Bethany sang “Over the Rainbow” in memory of the actress from Wizard of Oz, Judy Garland, who felt like a friend to her.
Deputy Area Manager Adam Spence said, “As a region, it’s our aim to bring Teesside and Tyneside together more as the forum were excited by this idea. They’re starting to get to know each other. Recently, we had our My M.O.T Day and now we’ve got this Sports Day. We’re going in a great direction.”
As the day came to a close, Katy in Tyneside said “I felt a sense of community with everyone being so welcoming. I would love to attend more events held by Creative Support and can’t wait to see where the future takes me for the next event” while staff member Shirley said “An event like this just shows how much joy there is in this community.”
