Dacorum shared in the magic of the Commonwealth Games by hosting the annual Hertfordshire Learning Disability Games.
On a sunny day, teams of adults with learning disabilities from all over Hertfordshire came to the Sportspace Athletics Track in Hemel Hempstead to take part in the multi-sports competition.
The morning events gave the nine teams the chance to compete in a range of activities including long jump, boccia, tennis and javelin.
Deputy mayor Cllr Gbola Adeloke visited the event in the morning and enjoyed watching the fierce competition – with the team events organised by Sportspace and Apex 360 with support from the Gosling Tennis Hub and the Watford FC community team.
In the afternoon, the competitors took to the track for individual events – including the 100m sprint, hurdles, 400m and the relay.
In addition, there were races for the carers and volunteers who helped make the day possible.
The afternoon culminated in a medal ceremony with local Paralympic swimmer James O’Shea and county councillors Teresa Heritage and Colette Wyatt-Lowe in attendance to hand out the gold, silver and bronze medals.
Overall victory on the day went to the team from North Herts – Leisure Direct Darts – who were worthy winners of the games trophy.
The event was organised by the Sportspace sports development team, in partnership with Dacorum Mencap and Herts Sports Partnership.
Elaine Precious from ROAR said: “Dacorum Mencap is proud of the close-working relationship we have with Sportspace.
“This has culminated this year in a county-wide event, which was a fantastic day for us all with over 150 adults with learning disabilities taking part. They all love the sporting activities and the competitive element of the event!”
The day wouldn’t have been possible without the help from volunteers and carers plus the funding from the Hertfordshire Lifestyle & Legacy Partnership. Funding means that the future of the event is secured for 2015.