Bromley’s Sports Day in the Park
Supported Living and Extra Care services across the London boroughs received a ‘Sporty Summer Celebration’ grant from Creative Support to hold a sports day. Around 60 staff and people we support gathered in Crystal Palace Park in Bromley to take part in activities in the late summer sun.
People we support made their way up the path from the bus to a quiet corner of the park where the gazebos were waiting, with brightly coloured balloons waving in the breeze. Mary held her stick in the air to signify her arrival. “This is a bit of a long walk for me,” she said, “but I like the fresh air.”
Some caught up with old friends or made new ones, whilst sat in the shade of the big oak trees eating sausage rolls. Others had a go at penalty shootout and hoopla against Support Worker Steven, who dove left and right against some fierce strikers.
Susan, a seated exercise coach from Age UK, made a semicircle of chairs on the grass to lead exercises designed to aid strength, balance, mobility, and confidence. People we support gathered round and rolled up their sleeves as Susan pressed play on ‘Night Fever’ by Bee Gees.
Susan shouted above the music, “Anyone remember this one!? 1977. I was there, you were there…”
As Maureen waved her arms to the beat, Support Worker Thandi exclaimed, “You’ve got rhythm Maureen!”
Meanwhile, Irene took a break to eat a bag of crisps with her friend. She said, “Each day I like to set myself a goal to build my confidence. Today it was to attend this sports day. It’s nice to feel like our achievements are recognised in my service. For example, once I won a flower arranging competition and my Support Workers saw it in the paper. I shrugged it off, but they were determined to make me feel proud.”
While going for a sausage roll, Carol bumped into an old friend who she met many years ago working in the button trade in Penge, Bromley. They shook hands and had a laugh. Carol said, “I didn’t expect that today.”
The afternoon ended with Activities Coordinator Anna Carling handing out personalised certificates. Each person received a big round of applause. Marie won best dancer which was no surprise, since she had been grooving with grace.
Development Officer Jess Morris played a big part in organising the event. She said, “We were so pleased to receive the grant, which meant we could bring residents from Extra Care and Supported Living services together from across London. We found accessible transport, so over 40 residents came to try out new sports equipment and eat lunch in the park. It was so lovely to see people forming connections and feeling sociable. Susan, the expert seated exercise coach from Age UK, was an added bonus and everyone loved having a go at her routines.”
As people made their way back to the minibuses, many were arm in arm, smiling and humming tunes from the afternoon. It is needless to say the afternoon made everyone feel a little bit lighter.
