Local Gateway clubs gather for annual sporting contest

BROCKENHURST Gateway Club hosted the return of the much-anticipated sports event for young adults with disabilities who are members of local Gateway clubs.

The annual inter-Gateway Clubs sports competition was held in the sports hall of Brockenhurst College and organised by Brockenhurst Gateway Club.

This year, 48 competitors from Brockenhurst, New Milton, the Waterside and Eastleigh made the journey to the New Forest. However, transport was a problem for several teams, with railway works affecting trains and clubs struggling to find volunteer minibuses.

The sports activities were organised by Ryan Stevens, assistant team leader at Brockenhurst Gateway, with volunteers from New Forest and Lymington Rotary clubs acting as referees while other volunteers provided refreshments.

The Gateway clubs are part of Mencap and provide a range of activities within their communities for adults with learning difficulties.

The sports included the enthusiastic use of badminton rackets and tennis balls for egg and

spoon races, various obstacle courses, badminton, football and cricket games.

All competitors received their medals with much applause, but the winners were Waterside Hi Flyers.

Every year, New Forest Rotary financially supports the event with a special trophy awarded to the team, showing the best team spirit – supporting individuals by all team members irrespective of their sporting capacity.

The team showing the best team spirit this year was Eastleigh Multi Sports, and their infectious joy reverberated around the sports hall.