The highly anticipated V2 of the ABI Games, a groundbreaking event celebrating adults with acquired brain injuries, concluded last week with resounding success.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mike Henley.
This remarkable event at University of Worcester Arena showcased the extraordinary talents and abilities of participants from across the UK.
Generously supported by a substantial two-year grant of £50,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund, known as the primary patron of community initiatives in the UK, the ABI Games paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in her Platinum Jubilee year by being titled the ‘Queen Elizabeth II Games for People with Acquired Brain Injury.’
The event drew widespread attention as adults with acquired brain injuries demonstrated their creative prowess through remote submissions prior to the event. Over 170 participants took part in an array of 23 activities held on Thursday 3rd August at the University of Worcester Arena.
The activities encompassed a diverse range of Physical Games: boccia, bowls, walking tennis, rugby and football plus seated, table and walking cricket. The Life Skills category saw entries for growing the tallest sunflower, wonky fruit or veg, baking a cake, scones, loaf of bread or jar of preserve. The Creative Expression category showcased remarkable entries in pottery, photography, woodwork, drawing or painting, creative writing and crafts. And the fourth category of Cognitive Skills challenged prowess in dominoes, chess, Uno, a memory game and Sjoelbak: a Dutch shuffleboard game.
Mandie Fitzgerald, CEO of Headway Worcestershire, expressed her pride in the success of the second ABI Games, stating: “I cannot be more proud of our magnificent National ABI Community who came together to celebrate an array of abilities and skills across four categories. The ABI Games were created to ensure it was an all-inclusive event and that there was an event for everyone with an ABI. A big heartfelt thank you to the 60 volunteers who turned up on the day to judge, run an event, MC, befriend and support individuals throughout the day.”
The event’s remarkable triumph has now set the stage for the third ABI Games. Mandie Fitzgerald enthusiastically shared her anticipation: “Our next games will be held in August 2025 and we are looking for sponsors to ensure we can continue to offer this unique platform to showcase everyone’s amazing skills that have been relearnt or newly discovered.”
The event was opened by the High Sheriff of Worcester, Louise Hewitt, who said on LinkedIn: “What a brilliant initiative for those with acquired brain injury… a unique (we do a lot of that in Worcs) special day. I enjoyed judging the creative writing… some interesting poetry. Serious chess games in full flow and good to see Walking Rugby 🏉 being delivered by the guys [from] Worcester Warriors Foundation and many other activities. A good time had by all. Huge congratulations to Mandie and everyone who made this happen. Roll on 2025 to the next ABI Games!”
For those seeking more information about the ABI Games, and for individuals interested in participating or volunteering for the upcoming event in 2025, please contact Headway Worcestershire via email at abigames@hwtl.org.uk. Additional details about the project can be found here or through phone inquiries on 01905 729729.
Take a look at the write-up from Headway here.
