Coleraine Base members take part in 2012 Games

This was the third year of the event and it was held with great success at the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey. The event provides an opportunity each year for members of the ten Bases (Drop In Centres) in the Northern Trust area, to come together to participate in a day of sporting events.

The day aims to help promote opportunities for people with learning disabilities and physical activity. It is also a chance to put in action the ethos of the Base Drop In Centres, to develop friendships and promote independence for all.

This year over 150 attendees turned out to represent their Base Facilities. The day began with a Zumba warm up, led by members of the Newtownabbey Council Active Communities Programme. There were then a range of events including relay and obstacle races, football, table tennis and bowling.

Prizes at the end of the day where presented by Alderman Frazer Agnew, Deputy Mayor of Newtownabbey Borough Council. The overall winning Base as Newtownabbey, with three gold medal winners. Magherafelt Base received the award for Team Spirit, with their team flag and Olympic torch mascots brightening up the day for everyone.

The Base facilities are all part of the Northern Health and Social Care Trust’s Day Opportunity Programme, which supports people with a learning disability in participating fully in the lives of their communities. The Day Opportunities Programme also aims to give those involved access to the full range of opportunities that are available to everyone else, including recreation, further education and employment opportunities.

The hosts would like to thank the following for there support in organising and providing for the hugely successful day. Friends of Larne Adult Centre and Northern Ireland Partnership for Physical Activity for funding; Newtownabbey Borough Council and Active Communities for facility and staff’s time; Dean Holmes Sports and Play Development Manager for cash help to provide a buffet, which was set up by Prestige Catering; Tesco Northcott for providing everyone with crisps and juicel; Coca Cola for water; BoxPac cash donation; Norman McClay of Larne Trophies for help with medals; Will Moore Physical Activities coach of Newtownabbey Borough council and friends for their help organising the event; and St Johns Ambulance for their assistance on the day.