Staff and residents came together at Abbey Stadium, Redditch,
for this year’s eagerly awaited YMCAlympics — a celebration of
sport, teamwork, and community spirit under the blazing summer
sun. Alongside the much-loved athletics classics of sprinting,
shot put, and long jump, this year’s line-up featured a lively
frisbee match and a short but mighty duathlon, adding fresh
excitement to the competition, all rounded off with a good game
of footie. With the summer heat in full force, everyone rose to the
challenge, showing grit, determination, and plenty of smiles
along the way. Thankfully, 130 bottles of water kindly donated by
Tesco Redditch kept competitors and supporters refreshed
throughout the day. Every single staff member played an
essential part in the smooth running of the event — from setting
up and officiating, to cheering on the sidelines and supporting
participants — ensuring that the day was a success from start to
finish.
We were also thrilled to welcome our local MP, Chris Bloore, who
briefly took on the role of race starter and joined in the fun with
residents and staff alike. Once the final race was run and the last
frisbee caught, everyone made their way back to Gordon Anstis
House for a delicious BBQ and a well-deserved medal ceremony,
bringing the day to a perfect close.
Events like this go far beyond sport. They give staff the chance to
meet our residents, strengthen bonds, and better understand the
people they support — whether directly or indirectly. They
remind us why we work so hard and persevere through daily
challenges: it’s all for them. And judging by the laughter, cheers,
and smiling faces, this year’s YMCAlympics will be fondly
remembered
