Fun had by all at our Dementia-Friendly Sports Day

SPORT-loving members of Louth’s Fire and Police services joined many fun and sport-loving folk for an afternoon of team games at Meridian Leisure Centre.

Organised by Magna Vitae’s Community team, the Dementia-Friendly Sports Day saw people of all ages split into teams, for an afternoon of activity – with a competitive edge! 

There had been a long gap since Magna Vitae last put on a Dementia-Friendly Sports Day. Marko, who helped run the event commented,

“We came up with ideas we’d not done before and it included for the first time some ‘minute to win it’ games which were more about using brain power, dexterity etc. The activities were tried out in the Louth Ageless & Agile session to get feedback. This was really helpful and enabled games to be adapted and improved. Everything was achievable whether people were seated or mobile.”

Golf, Egg & Spoon, Bean Bag Toss were some of the other games played by the Red, Yellow, Blue and Green teams. Over 70 participants took part, which was made up of Ageless & Agile group members, children from Kidgate Primary Academy, Louth Fire and Police personnel, local care homes and representatives from Shine Lincolnshire, YMCA Lincolnshire and Trinity Centre Louth. 

PC Nathan Ford, who attended the event with a colleague reflected,

“The community spirit and enthusiasm shown by all the staff, participants and helpers was great to see. It really was a fantastic afternoon and a great way of bringing different ages and people together to have fun, in an environment were all could participate whatever their ability.”

Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue team joined in too, with Simon Gardner commenting,

“I thought the event was fantastic. The games seemed to be really well thought out and everyone was able to get involved. I was very impressed with the supportive and encouraging approach of all the Meridian staff and the other agencies involved, and it was a great opportunity for us to make contact with people in the community who might need our help.”

Grace Tompkins from YMCA Lincolnshire remarked,

“What a lovely afternoon of fun, laughter and friendship. There was no age or mobility barriers as inclusion and diversity was very evident in the games.”

Certificates presented included Best Effort, Most Consistent, Ray of Sunshine, Best at Egg & Spoon Race, Funniest Moment, Golden Shot and even an award for the Biggest Moaner!  

Overall team winners were the Yellow team with 3,053 points, second were the Green team with 2,254, third Blue with 1,940 and fourth Red with 1,924. 

Tracey Wilkinson, Lifestyle Partnerships Manager, who organised the event said,

“Wow, what a lovely afternoon. Big thanks to the wonderful participants, Magna Vitae staff and community partners who came along to the ‘Spring Games’ Dementia Friendly Sports Day, our first since before the pandemic. The room was alive with energy and enthusiasm from everyone, coming together in friendly competition and team spirit. Celebrating together and raising awareness of dementia through Dementia Action Week #DAW2024.”

Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces and witnessing the collaboration between the younger and older generations during the games was truly heart-warming. It was evident that FUN was had by ALL!