Forget the Olympics – we had the WYM’Pics (From Worcester News)

Forget the Olympics – we had the WYM’Pics

5:30pm Sunday 19th August 2012 in Worcester

RESIDENTS and staff of Worcester’s YMCA got into the Olympic spirit with their very own version of the London 2012 Games.

A YMCA Torch bike relay to Redditch held in July sparked the idea for Worcester YMCA to launch their own games, named the WYM’Pics.

In line with the real Olympics, there was an opening ceremony organised by YMCA resident Hugo Sugg.

Residents and staff gathered outside the Henwick Road building to hear a speech from housing manager Angie Rich.

This was followed by a torch relay within the grounds that featured five torchbearers including a member of staff, the eldest resident and one of the youngest residents.

The team sang an official WYM’Pic song before putting their skills to the test in daily events including rowing, track and field, football and tug-of-war, with medals being awarded as prizes.

Mr Sugg, a trainee youth worker, said: “Planning, organising and running the WYM’Pics with residents and staff was a great way to get everyone fit and healthy but also to build up self esteem and confidence.

“I wanted to organise an event that people here could look back on and remember positively.

“People living at the YMCA are often going through extremely difficult times and even people who didn't win can remember they did something positive with other people.

“Residents have thought of all of the events and that’s why it has been such a great success.”