THE BOB COOK GAMES

Chippenham Lions once again led the way in organising the Bob Cook Memorial Games that was held at the Athletics Track, Swindon on 14 August 2011.

The event has grown over the years and this year we had a record number of participants from all over the district to give us 290 entrants from 25 clubs, and along with their helpers, this made this event the best yet.

Named after the late Charter President of the Lions’ Club of Chippenham, the Games take place every year on the second Sunday of August at the Athletics Track at Swindon’s County Ground Sports Complex. At the same time, an all-day bowls competition is held on the adjacent Swindon Bowls’ Club Green.

The Mayoress of Swindon, Councillor Ray Ballman, welcomed contestants and helpers to Swindon and 105W District Governor, Lion Laurence Pearce, officially opened the Games.

Both track and field events were contested strongly on the athletics ground but the largest entries were for field events such as the discus, javelin, shot and wellie throwing. The first event took place at 10:30 and competition continued until 4:30 with a short break for lunch.  This year a record 450 lunch packs were assembled by Chippenham Lions’ ladies working from the crack of dawn.

As usual, most of the organisation of the day was provided by Chippenham with particular help from Highworth Lions’ Clubs, however, financial support and manpower on the day is provided by clubs throughout the South West, South Wales and the Midlands representing all corners of District 105W as well as the surrounding Districts. Club duties ranged from marshalling events, ensuring that competitors got to the start of their event in time and prompting winners to collect their medals. Chippenham Lions would like to thank all those who took part or helped on the day.  Your help is essential to the success of the games.

We are also grateful, once again, for the assistance of the local branch of the UK Athletics (UKA) for giving up their time to officiate at the event.

All helpers will take back their own memories of the games, but I shall recall the roller coaster of emotions that took me from seeing the pleasure of those as they were presented with their medals to the tremendous efforts required by some just to participate.

Next years' games will be held on 12^th August 2012.  Put it in your diary now and plan to be there for another great day!
 

Competitors and Onlookers at the Games

Julie Rowlands tries her hand at the Shot

Mair Nixon takes part in a Track Event and another contestant Throws the Wellie

Sharon Wilson-Smith takes part in the Wheelchair Track Events

Kim Squires and Roy Hadley, Winners of the Joy Cook and Ivor Bull Cups

Chippenham President Malcolm Burlow congratulates Elliot Evans on his Medal Achievement

District Governor Laurence Pearce Congratulates Robbie Linceq on his Medal Achievement 

The Mayoress, Councillor Ray Ballman Congratulates Kirsten Sinkley on Her Medal Achievements