A Suffolk charity’s twist on a traditional Sports Day featuring axe throwing and three legged races was hailed a “roaring success” yesterday (September 12) after raising over £10,000.
More than 170 staff and volunteers from 18 local businesses went head to head at Trinity Park in Ipswich for the five hour fundraiser.
Hosted by Home Start in Suffolk the teams battled each other in traditional sack and wheelbarrow contests.
One of the event’s main sponsors MSC UK entered a team, alongside a string of other local firms including OCS UK, Barnes Construction, Christies Care Home, BT Openreach, The University of Suffolk and Beckett Financial Services.
Defending champions Suez Recycling battled to hold onto their title from last year.
Tara Spence, CEO of Home Start in Suffolk, hailed the success of the day, which is now in its second year, and praised the sunny weather.
She said: “It’s a fantastic day and great to see so many local people come together and support the families of Suffolk.
“The sun shone and everyone really got into the team spirit.”
Stacey Phillips, Partnerships and Fundraising Manager at Home Start, said: “We’re over the moon to see such a great turnout and the teams having such good fun.
“It’s a wonderful way to raise money, and the competition really heats up across the day in the best possible spirit
”Everyone is smiling at the finish line.”
The event at Trinity Park, co-sponsor and host, was rounded off with a BBQ, beers and ice cream.
The eventual winners were Beckett Financial Services, who crowned Suffolk Sports Day Champions to much fanfare.
Home Start offers families support for isolation, mental health, and abusive relationships and helps get them back on their feet through friendship and kindness.
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