The fourth annual Recovery Games on 18 August saw over 650 people from all parts of the UK coming together at Hatfield Activity Centre in Doncaster in a fun packed day of celebration of people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. The games are organised by our Doncaster service Aspire.
Fast becoming a local tradition, the event has grown massively and is becoming an important date in the UK Recovery calendar. This year the games were attended by the Civic Mayor of Doncaster Councillor George Derx; North Lincolnshire Deputy Mayor Councillor John Briggs and the Mayor of Rotherham Councillor Eve Rose Keenan, who joined the crowds of supporters to cheer on the 36 teams taking part in gladiator style games and obstacle courses that include big inflatable human hungry hippos, a human wrecking ball.
The Recovery Games offers visible evidence that recovery does and can happen. Every person taking part was on their own journey of recovery or had a friend or family member on the recovery journey. It was a great day out for the whole family and once again we were pleased to see local people come along and show their support
A highlight of the games is the ‘colour run’ which takes place half way through the day, dancing, colour everywhere and giant smiles characterise this part of the day.
Event organiser Neil Firbank said: “This year’s games were the biggest and best yet with the recovery community being stronger and more vibrant than ever. The event is about letting people know that recovery is alive and being nurtured in many towns across the region and UK. Thank you to everyone who took part and supported this amazing event.”
Stuart Green, Aspire Service Manager, said: “It’s been a fantastic day with hundreds of people celebrating and applauding those in recovery from an addiction. The event has become a recognised milestone in the recovery calendar. It sees people with different addictions and health conditions come together, connect and learn new skills and most importantly have fun without the need for substances.”
This years’ Recovery Games was totally funded by donation and thanks to a fabulous effort from many people £10,000 was raised to enable the event to go ahead. We are already thinking of next year and raised a great £650 on the day which will go towards other activities and next year’s Recovery Games. To find out how you can help raise funds for the Recovery Games 2018 just click here
To see photos of the day just click here
See you all in 2018
Published 25th August 2017
