Blackburn’s ‘Sporty Summer’ Bash

Services in Lancashire were awarded our ‘Sporty Summer Celebration’ grant of up to £800 to bring together 13 services in an afternoon of sports and games.

The day began at noon in Witton Country Park in Blackburn under a cloudless sky. As the temperature began to rise, over 80 staff and people we support pitched up their umbrellas for shade, applied sun cream and made camp on the side of the astroturf pitch.

With the grant, Blackburn services hired the pitch from Creative Football, a social inclusion football league who were previously a part of Creative Support. They also bought nets for badminton and tennis, a goal for a penalty shootout, connect four, hoopla and much more.

As soon as the 80s hits started playing, people took off their jumpers, put on their trainers and headed over to the games. The penalty shootout was by far the most popular. Nicky and Will who we support in Clitheroe had a great time trying to get the ball past Josh, a member at Creative Football who was the goalie for the day.

Those who prefer to chat and catch up with friends could enjoy picnics in the sun on the side of the pitch, with people sharing food across friendship groups. This was perfect for Fatima and Jackie who we support in Blackburn. Fatima said, “I like the staff and I prefer to sit and watch, and talk to people.” Jackie said, “I prefer chatting to people and watching people play the games rather than get involved. It’s nice for it not to be raining – there’ll be no black clouds over Blackburn today.”

Activities which didn’t involve lots of physical movement included face painting and temporary tattoos. Senior Support Worker Laura Townsend who organised the day said, “We decided not to have too much structure, with activities left out for people to get involved in when they please as not everyone at the event is a big sports fan and not every sport is accessible.”

Everyone gathered around to celebrate Geraldine Condon, who was in her last week as Operations Manager. Laura said, “While we’re here, many of you know tomorrow is Geraldine’s last day. She’s led an amazing team for 16 years. It’s been absolutely wonderful and she’s been a wonderful manager.”

After lots of hugs from staff and people she supports, Geraldine said, “I’ve worked with some great people and great teams over the past 16 years. It’s lovely to be around all my colleagues today in the sun. It’s actually the people we support that makes this service outstanding. Thank you for having me for so long. Keep on doing what you’re doing.”

Blackburn services have been getting together for a sports day for over four years now, and those who have come back year after year know that rounders is always the main event of the afternoon. Staff member Chris said, “Each year, there is always a bit of friendly rivalry. We always play it after lunch when people have some energy.”

There was lots of laughter as people skidded at the posts or collapsed after finishing a home run. Although the opposing team was a little more ruthless, Jason, a person who we support, seemed invincible and was the last remaining batter alongside Geraldine who was giving it her all on her final sports day. Staff members Roy and Chris kept bumping into each other when retrieving the ball which provided a comedy moment for Neil, who we support in Blackburn, and his friends cheering from the side.

As Geraldine was having a breather, we asked her about the impact of the grant. “This is first sports day in the North West where we’ve not had to fundraise. We can now use this new equipment year after year and the event is much more accessible to people we support who no longer have to bring their own picnics,” said Geraldine.

At the end of the afternoon, Laura presented personalised certificates and trophies. Everyone got a medal to remember the day. Paul, a person who we support, was a fielder during rounders and won Sports Person of the Year! Paul said, “There was a lot of games. I like it here and I have got a lot of friends here.”

The day finished on a high, with people we support hugging each other before carrying trophies home. What a brilliant event – well done everyone!