The fifth annual Recovery Games on 17 August saw over 600 people from all parts of the UK coming together in a fun packed day of celebration and remembrance.
Now a fixture in the UK Recovery Calendar this year as well as celebrating recovery with a fun packed day for friends, family and the public a minutes silence was held before the fabulous colour run to those who we’ve lost.
In the midst of a day full of joy and a little sadness was the competitive side of the games. Forty teams, twice as many as usual took part from all over the country each trying to win the coveted 2018 Recovery Games trophy.
Joining the crowds and adding their support this year were the Civic Mayor of Doncaster Councillor Majid Khan, North Lincolnshire Deputy Mayor Councillor John Briggs, Rotherham Deputy Mayor Councillor Jenny Andrews and Rotherham Deputy Mayoress Councillor Jeanette Mallinder.
After a hard fought competition the winners were Reflections House, a centre for recovery in Castleford. Taking the trophy for the best dressed team was the Bed Rocks from New Beginnings, a Doncaster-based specialist detox and rehabilitation unit and; this years new award for fund raising went to Shona Bruno
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.”
In order to get a head start on funding the 2019 games a sponsored 5K swim, five laps of the lake was undertaken by John Wattam and Dean Kirkham raising £400 on the day. What an amazing effort.
Watch the short 59 second film of the day here
the full version can be seen here
Published 20th August 2018
