Competing for Olympic Gold (Sort Of)

Staff and clients from SHP’s Camden Aftercare programme recently pitted themselves against one another in the project’s first annual Sports Day.

Inspired by the Olympics and Paralympics, the event added a curious array of events to the traditional offering, including a fancy dress race, wellie throwing competition, skipping rope race and an egg-on-the-back-of-your-hand race.

Amanda Welsh, Camden Aftercare’s Recovery Co-ordinator, helped to organise the event because: “Everyone was excited about the Olympics and what it could do for London, so we wanted to inspire our clients to see fitness as a fun activity that can also be a part of their recovery.”

The overall winner, André, said: “I really enjoyed all of it; it reminded me of being back in primary school. I’m surprised I won because I didn’t think I’d be good at any of it—I haven’t done stuff like this since I was young.”

Another competitor Hussein said: “The weirdest thing I’ve done today is the three-legged race. I’ve never done it before and it was hard! We almost fell, but still made third place.”

SHP’s Camden Aftercare service supports clients recovering from drug and alcohol use to develop confidence and self esteem and move into training, education and employment. Staying busy, trying new activities and building positive social relationships are three key aspects of the team’s approach.

SHP client, Gareth, summed up the whole day well, “I haven’t played sports in 38 years! But we all had a good time with great teamwork. I’ll definitely come back next year.”