The Recovery Olympics celebrated its tenth anniversary in Stirling last week, bringing together hundreds of people recovering from addiction for a light-hearted sports day of activities. The event at Forthbank Stadium saw 150 participants and 188 spectators representing 18 recovery communities and support organisations from across Scotland.
Activities included sprint races, sack races, soft archery, turbo javelin, Hungry Hippos and tug-of-war. Families enjoyed fancy dress, face painting, children's races, a bouncy castle, entertainment and music.
Origins and Growth
The Recovery Olympics began in 2016 as a partnership between Active Stirling and the Forth Valley Recovery Community (FVRC), focusing on recovery, resilience and wellbeing through physical activity, friendship and community support. It started as a small event in Stirling and has grown significantly over the decade.
Participant Stories
David Campbell, who has been in the FVRC community for five months, described his journey: 'I've been involved with the community and AS for around five months now and my background is that I am an alcoholic. Following an unrelated health issue last year, I had blood tests and it was revealed after years of problem drinking, it was having an effect on my liver and I was told to change my lifestyle or I'd be facing disability and, ultimately, death.'
He added: 'I looked for treatment through the NHS and was signposted to the FVRC and people like James, they understand those experiences and want to help you. The activities included guided walks and free swimming sessions and badminton, which were things I enjoyed before my drinking so that was a great chance for me to re-focus my mind.'
Organiser Perspectives
FVRC team leader James Sludden, a veteran of the event, said: 'It all started in 2016 at our Friday cafe event in the Raploch, there were 70 people in attendance that day, but today it’s hundreds of people which gives you a perspective where things have come from. I think this event is more important than ever this year because the other big national event which is the Recovery Walk was cancelled, so this is the chance for people to come together from all over Scotland, to celebrate with each other, to connect and reduce the stigma of recovery through sport.'
Tom Gebbie, community activation officer at Active Stirling, said: 'I’m massively proud of this event; I’ve been involved in it for about eight years and when it first started it was a relatively small event up at the Mayfield Centre with two or three teams. We’ve now grown to having 20 teams, to have it here at Forthbank Stadium with DJs, free food and it’s all about a celebration for those who are going through recovery and the power of sport in helping that.'
The event was supported by 21 Active Stirling staff members and nine volunteers.
