Adventure Farm gets Olympic fever

10:52am Monday 18th August 2008

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OLYMPIC fever was in the air at The Children's Adventure Farm Trust, where children participating in a Sports Week displayed that they have certainly been bitten by the bug!

A total of 32 children from Trafford, Vale Royal, Warrington and South Cheshire had an amazing week at the charity's Millington base, taking part in a variety of sports and games - culminating in a colourful, lively Olympics festival on Friday.

The children had a variety of needs, some with physical disabilities, others with learning disabilities. Some of the children had hearing impairments and others were from disadvantaged areas. Some siblings of the disabled children also joined the group, in need of some fun.

They had also been treated to a visit by CAFT Patron, Sarah Storey and her husband Barney. Both Sarah and Barney are due to travel to Beijing soon to participate in the Paralympic Games, and both are tipped to return with medals!

Throughout the week the children worked in four teams - GB, France, Spain and Germany, and they worked hard to create their own team flags and T-shirts. Sport Trafford coaches worked with the Adventure Farm staff throughout the week to create a varied and exciting programme.

Friday's Olympic Festival began with an Opening Ceremony, complete with processions of the teams with their flags, dancing and drumming. This was followed by a Cheer-leading session where the children displayed skills learned earlier in the week.

The children then participated in a packed programme of events to suit their abilities, these included ball throwing and catching, obstacle races and relays. As is traditional, the day finished with a medal ceremony - but one with a difference. Every athlete was awarded a gold!!

Jenny O'Hare, sports co-ordinator at The Adventure Farm, was thrilled with the success of the Olympic Festival: "It was a fantastic end to an amazing week, the kids had a ball. They all got really into the spirit of the Games, proudly holding aloft their team flags and doing their very best in the events. This sort of Festival proves that all children, regardless of physical limitations, developmental problems or social background can work as a team, have fun and shine."