Housing Spotlight – YMCAlympics!

Games, Grit & Great Company!

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. 

Feelin’ the heat!

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 side-lines and supporting participants — ensuring that the day was a success from start to finish.

MP came to join the fun –

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.

Not just fun and games.

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.