Last year we at the Community Games delivered two very special Community Games events; events that moved us all to our very core and will remain in the hearts of all in attendance.
In 2022, in partnership with the amazing and inspirational staff of Birmingham Children’s Hospital, we delivered the Birmingham Children’s Hospital Oncology and Haematology Community Games. The purpose was to highlight that physical activity plays a vital role in the physical, social and psychological wellbeing of children and is essential to their on-going care, rehabilitation and long-term health. In addition, the events aimed to create awareness of the resources and activities available to all.
In order to tell you a little more about what was achieved we’d like to share the words of Helen Woodman, Radiotherapy Radiographer and Paediatric Nurse, and driving force behind the very first Birmingham Children’s Hospital Oncology and Haematology Community Games…..
‘In partnership with Inspire Activity Community Games, we held the first Birmingham Children’s Hospital Oncology and Haematology Community Games on the 26th & 28th May 2022. It was amazing! The Community Games team made it possible to hold our first event in the outside area at the hospital to ensure the inpatients and those having outpatients appointments/treatment could access the fun and be involved. Because of the teams vision and experience we were able to have a range of activities to try, including archery, simulated kayaking, cycling, boccia, a sensory space and boxing. The smiles and laughter were infectious (obviously in a good way!)
The second event was in the grounds of King Edwards School, Edgbaston – the weather was perfect and the families just kept coming. Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would be a queue of people at 12midday or that we’d have to open up another car park. It was a truly humbling sight, to see so many of our families attending and having a go at so many different events. From hockey to wheelchair basketball, table tennis to simulated sailing and kayaking, rock climbing to orienteering, plus many more. The opportunities to try, take part and have a ‘can do’ attitude in a safe fun environment was exactly what we were aiming for! With the teams help and staff volunteers we have been able to raise the awareness of how important being active is, even little and often during treatment and ongoing for their long-term health.
The success of these events, hosted by Inspire Activity Community Games, has meant that all of us involved believe it’s a great idea to make it an annual event for the Oncology and Haematology patients – bigger and better in 2023!’
As stated by the amazing and inspirational Helen Woodman, 2023 will see the return of Birmingham Children’s Hospital Oncology and Haematology Community Games events. These events, exclusively for inpatients and outpatients of Birmingham Childrens Hospital Oncology and Haematology Ward, will once again take place both within internal courtyard of Birmingham Children’s Hospital, as well as the amazing grounds of King Edwards School.
We at the Community Games, want to work with Helen and her team to continue the powerful message that the Community Games provides to so many children and their families. We are determined to work together to continue to make these events as inspirational and as enjoyable as possible for the immensely brave children and their families of Birmingham Childrens Hospital Oncology and Haematology Ward.
Visit our website for a full gallery of our Birmingham Children’s Hospital Oncology and Haematology Community Games 2022!! (Birmingham Children’s Hospital / King Edwards School)
Contact [email protected] for more information on the events, to volunteer or to become a sponsor.