‘Joan Mann Special Sports Day at RAF Mildenhall
Tuesday, 15th September 2015.
In its 34th year the Joan Mann Special Sports Day event brings together people with special needs for a fun day of sports and activities, supported by US servicemen and servicewomen. Cllr Maureen Byrne, joined the contingent for the days activities.
Cllr Byrne said:
‘The club members see this event as the highlight of their years programme. The hospitality at RAF Mildenhall is outstanding and no effort is spared to ensure the full participation of all entrants – whatever their abilities.’
Roger André, Secretary to the association said:
‘Funding from this years Summer Bash has enabled the LampH committee to fully fund the costs associated with this event. The hard work and generosity of local businesses has brought a smile to the faces of the 34 attendees. A bright sunny day was the crowning glory! Excellent service from the driver, Clinton Carsdale from Felix Coaches, ensured a smooth journey and a great trip for all.’
34 members, carers and volunteers from LAMP-H were invited and made an early start to get to RAF Mildenhall for a 10:00am start.
The day began with a parade of athletes. Then athletes competed in various events, including a football pass and punt, bowling, Frisbee toss, obstacle course, basketball toss and 100-meter dash.
Volunteers cooked a lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs, while others escorted the athletes to and from events. At the end of the day, the winning athletes were given medals. The event was topped off with the cutting of a huge commemorative cake celebrating the Joan Mann legacy.
Plans are already in hand for next years event.
Thirty four years ago, Joan Mann was a Ministry of Defence employee working in the public affairs office. She conceived the special sports day as a way to not only offer special-needs people of all ages a day of fun, but also to draw the civilian and military communities closer together.
Cllr Byrne said:
‘The club members see this event as the highlight of their years programme. The hospitality at RAF Mildenhall is outstanding and no effort is spared to ensure the full participation of all entrants – whatever their abilities.’
Roger André, Secretary to the association said:
‘Funding from this years Summer Bash has enabled the LampH committee to fully fund the costs associated with this event. The hard work and generosity of local businesses has brought a smile to the faces of the 34 attendees. A bright sunny day was the crowning glory! Excellent service from the driver, Clinton Carsdale from Felix Coaches, ensured a smooth journey and a great trip for all.’
34 members, carers and volunteers from LAMP-H were invited and made an early start to get to RAF Mildenhall for a 10:00am start.
The day began with a parade of athletes. Then athletes competed in various events, including a football pass and punt, bowling, Frisbee toss, obstacle course, basketball toss and 100-meter dash.
Volunteers cooked a lunch of hamburgers and hotdogs, while others escorted the athletes to and from events. At the end of the day, the winning athletes were given medals. The event was topped off with the cutting of a huge commemorative cake celebrating the Joan Mann legacy.
Plans are already in hand for next years event.
Thirty four years ago, Joan Mann was a Ministry of Defence employee working in the public affairs office. She conceived the special sports day as a way to not only offer special-needs people of all ages a day of fun, but also to draw the civilian and military communities closer together.
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