The District 1070 Disability Games were held on Sunday 16th
April 2023 at the beautiful Lincoln Christ's Hospital School (educating in
Lincoln since 1090). Disabled competitors of all ages took part in archery,
darts, kurling, table tennis, weightlifting, boccia, basketball hoop shooting,
swimming, wheelchair slalom, and wheelchair dash.
175 competitors, 85 carers, plus about 100 Rotarians, volunteers and third
party sports clubs came from all over the Rotary district, which includes parts
of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Cambridge, Northamptonshire, and Rutland. The
organising team comprised 10 Rotary clubs; Lindum Lincoln, Bailgate Lincoln,
Lincoln, Lincoln Colonia, Grantham, Grantham Kesteven, Grantham Sunrise, Alford
& Mablethorpe, Spilsby, and Woodhall Spa. Team leader Simon Kalson (Lindum
Lincoln) says this was a real team effort, with a huge number of moving parts
to organise, which was richly rewarded by the obvious fun the competitors
enjoyed.
All competitors and carers were provided with a substantial lunch pack. Many of
them knew each other from previous Games, so it was a chance to network and
renew friendships, as well as a few sporting rivalries..
Year 11, 12, and 13 pupils from the school were appointed Games Ambassadors for
the day. Some of them are members of the Interact Club sponsored by RC
Lindum Lincoln. Their duties included vehicle entrance and car park control,
helping direct competitors around the venue, locating missing competitors for
knockout rounds, helping distribute the lunch packs, collecting lanyards, and
handing out individual medals. They also helped set up for the Games on
Saturday, and helped strip back down again on Sunday when the Games finished.
They were a huge credit to themselves and the school.
VIP visitors for the day included Rotary District Governor Steve Howe and the
Deputy Mayor of Lincoln, Biff Bean. They both helped award some of the winners'
trophies during the day, as well as trying out some of the sports on offer. The
Deputy Mayor said the organisation made herding cats look easy, whilst our
District Governor said "It was an absolute pleasure to be there. The
laughter, fun and a happy atmosphere was infectious. Congratulations to the
team for such a well organised event".
Organising team leader Simon Kalson said - "I have been involved in Rotary
Disability Games since 2001, including the National Rotary Games until they
ceased. The Games are very complex to organise; however the rewards are
immense, and I have always felt they are one of the greatest community events
we are involved in. Seeing so much fun and enjoyment makes it so worthwhile.