THE FIRST-EVER National Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Games will take place in August after Headway Worcestershire chiefs revealed the showpiece would become a bi-annual event.
After its debut on August 27 and 28, a 2023 event has already been pencilled in before taking its place in the calendar every two years.
Headway Worcestershire won a share of £385,000 earmarked for communities in the West Midlands to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June.
The Games will pay tribute to this auspicious occasion by naming the event the ‘Queen Elizabeth II Games for People with Acquired Brain Injury’.
Headway Worcestershire is partnering with the University of Worcester Arena which will host adults from around the UK with an acquired brain injury.
Contestants will take part in a series of events testing their physical attributes and building on their life skills, creative abilities and cognitive awareness.
Activities will include physical games such as boccia, walking tennis, cricket, rugby and football, a category for creative expression which includes pottery, art, creative writing and photography, cognitive ventures like dominoes, quizzes and chess as well as life skills comprising ‘tallest sunflower’ and wonky fruit and veg, for example.
Mandie Fitzgerald, chief executive officer of Headway Worcestershire, said: “The Acquired Brain Injury Games will provide a fun way to acknowledge the wonderful diverse skills and talents of adults with an ABI, whilst also raising awareness of silent disability and the challenges faced after an ABI.
“Headway Worcestershire and other charities help to support independence within the local communities, with the aim of helping people achieve their goals and enjoy a quality of life, consistent with their desires and interests.”
The local community – including schools, colleges and universities – are being invited to volunteer at the event to support and help raise awareness of ABIs and get involved with the world first ABI Games.
“It’s set to be an amazing, inclusive event open to anyone with an ABI nationally and we’d welcome your support,” Abi added.
E-mail [email protected] or visit https://headwayworcestershire.org.uk/abi-games or call 01905 729729 for more.
