Road to Rio Olympics begins for learning disability care provider

With the countdown to the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro underway, individuals supported by learning disability care provider, (CMG), gathered in Surrey to take part in an athletics competition.

The Olympic spirit was kept alive with over 200 people in attendance at the CMG Athletics Day at the David Weir Leisure Centre in Sutton.

Michael Fullerton, clinical director of CMG, said: “The Athletics Championship is such a highlight in our calendar and it was fantastic to see so many people attending again this year.

“It’s such an inclusive event which gives those we support the opportunity to showcase their sporting abilities and learn new skills.

“The Championship is an important part in our programme of events which help empower the people we support.”

Throughout the day individuals took part in a wide range of sporting events, including 100m and 200m sprints, wheelchair obstacle racing, surfing (on a simulator) and even Tai Chai.

The event came to a close with an England versus Wales tug of war game, which was won by the home nation after a series of battling performances.

Individuals at the event were also accompanied by John Abel from the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. Mr Abel presented competitors with their medals and also offered support and sporting advice to individuals and their families.

Commenting on the success of the annual sporting event, chief executive of CMG, Peter Kinsey, said: “We always strive to provide the people we support with opportunities to take part in the hobbies and activities they enjoy. With so many keen sports people at our services in England and Wales, this event is always one we look forward to.

“The Athletics Day has inspired many people to take up new sports on a regular basis, and we’ll be doing everything we can to support them.”

CMG is a leading provider of residential care, supported living services and domiciliary care for people with learning disabilities and additional complex needs. The Athletics Day underlines the organisations commitment to providing the people it supports with every opportunity to pursue activities they enjoy.