Dec 11, 2024 | ActivSports
ActivLives received a generous support from another local charity in Ipswich. Heartbeat, a self-help group started by people in Ipswich and East Suffolk, donated £1000 to ActivLives’ BreatheFit programme on the 10th December 2025. ActivAgeing Development Officer Frazier Seager received the cheque from Terry and Lynn Osbourne who are involved with Heartbeat during the ActivBowls session at the Gainsborough Sports Centre.
The donated funds will be a big help for ActivLives ‘BreatheFit’ project, which supports people in the community of Ipswich and East Suffolk living with respiratory and cardiac conditions. Currently, there four different sessions of BreatheFit in various venues in Ipswich, Leiston, Felixstowe and Stowmarket.
Heartbeat is a self-help group started by people in Ipswich and East Suffolk in October 1987 to provide support and information to those within the region who have heart problems.
Dec 6, 2024 | ActivSports
The ActivLives Inclusive Badminton Tournament was held recently at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich. The event, delivered by ActivLives, in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk, was full of action with 30 competitors from inclusive groups in Ipswich, Wimbledon, Canterbury and Lincoln taking part.
These inclusive events are specifically for athletes who have an intellectual (learning) disability, they are sanctioned and supported by Special Olympics GB, as part of their calendar of events held across the country.
“The quality of play and the atmosphere created by the players and their supporters has been absolutely brilliant”, said Mike McCarthy from ActivLives. “We have already had some really positive feedback from athletes, families and volunteers”, added Mike.
Many thanks to the brilliant team of volunteers who made the event happen, and to our supporting partners Special Olympics Suffolk, Special Olympics GB, Suffolk Community Foundation and Ipswich Borough Council.
If you would like to find out more about getting involved with badminton for players with a learning disability, please call ActivLives on 01473 345350 or email mike@activlives.org.uk
Pictures by A. Boggis
Oct 23, 2024 | ActivSports
The ActivLives charity is organising an Inclusive Badminton Tournament on the 30th of November at the Gainsborough Sports Centre in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk. The event is also being supported by Suffolk Community Foundation, and Ipswich Borough Council. It has been sanctioned by Special Olympics GB (SOGB), as a Regional Partnership Single Sport Competition. This means that players who are registered with SOGB, as well as those who are not, are able to compete with, and against each other. All competitors in this event should have a recognised intellectual/learning disability or be a declared ‘Unified Partner’ registered with SOGB. For more information, please see the poster:
Sep 25, 2024 | ActivSports
A Big Boccia Bash (BBB) was held in Gainsborough Sports Centre, Ipswich led by ActivLives together with its partners and supporters: Boccia England, Special Olympics Suffolk, Special Olympics GB and the Suffolk Community Foundation. The BBB is part of the celebration of the National Boccia Day on the 27th of September.
Forty-four participants played in the Big Boccia Bash from across the region. The day consisted of a series of team skills challenges and practices in the morning and then a mini tournament after lunch. Volunteers, parents, supporters and watchers were present to cheer and assist the players. The event was specifically targeted at participants with an intellectual, sensory and/or physical disability.
“I came today with my 17 years old son. He was anxious at the start but soon settled in and he has thoroughly enjoyed it. Brilliant atmosphere and has been lovely watching everyone enjoying themselves and just have fun”, Parent of a player said.
One of the players was also happy with the outcome of the event.
“It was really good with great people and company,” Boccia player commented.
Players brought home some medals and certificates for the incredible sportsmanship and skills they showed throughout the Big Boccia Bash.
If you are interested in trying Boccia and how to get involved, email mike@activlives.org or call the ActivLives office on 01473 345350.
Sep 18, 2024 | ActivSports
ActivLives/Special Olympics Suffolk badminton players were in great early season form recently at a tournament in Cheadle, North Staffordshire. The team of Donna Wyatt, Liam Jackson and Cam Sherman brought home a haul of medals across all of the singles and doubles events. Our players faced stiff competition from Special Olympics teams from North Staffordshire, Sandwell, Sutton Coldfield and Cardiff. Many thanks from the athletes, to all of the volunteers who made this event such a success.
If you would like to find out more about playing Inclusive Badminton with ActivLives, contact mike@activlives.org.uk or call on 01473 345350.
Sep 4, 2024 | ActivSports
ActivLives held 12 weeks of Lawn Bowls throughout the summer at Kesgrave Community Centre.
We had a total of 286 attendances in this 12 week period, with an average attendance of 24 joining in each week.
Special thanks to Kevin the caretaker- who will be retiring later this year. Thank you for all your efforts looking after the lawn and for all the kindness and support you have shown our members. Happy retirement!
