PEOPLE with mental health issues from Notts are to take part in an athletic event next week.
The Midlands Mental Health Games takes place every two years and was initially aimed at adults with a learning disorders, but this year has been widened out to include people with other mental health issues.
Hosted at Ashfield School in Sutton Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield on Wednesday July 24 people from across the region will come together to compete against each other.
Chief Executive Professor Mike Cooke CBE, who will officially open the games at 10am, said: "I am delighted to be opening The Midland Games 2013.
"This is always a fantastic event, but this year will be extra special as for the first time mental health service users will be competing. This is a really important step forward in our continued efforts to integrate sport and physical activity throughout mental health services."
Athletes of all abilities can take part in the games as events include standard athletic events such as 100m, 200m and 400m together with adapted events such as 50m assisted and wheelchair races. The emphasis is on participation, rather than winning.
And in field events athletes compete in long jump, javelin, shot and 'jav ball' competitions - which involve a small ball-shaped piece of equipment that can be held and thrown any way competitors choose from a seated position.
The event has been organised by the Physiotherapy Team, Learning Disabilities, NHS Notts Healthcare and Notts County Council's Sports Development Unit.
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