All-day event raised over £10,000 for learning disability charity Mencap
More than 60 teams of dodgeballers from all over London descended on Wimbledon Rugby Club on Saturday (August 6) in their finest fancy dress in an effort to be crowned champions of Mencap’s Dodgeballdayer.
Teams dipped, dodged, ducked, dived and donated in the 7th annual fancy dress dodgeball tournament, which is the biggest of its kind in the UK. The event raised funds for the learning disability charity Mencap to help it continue its support for people with a learning disability in the UK and their families and carers.
The all-day event saw players and spectators enjoy music from DJs throughout the day and take part in a raffle and auction, with all proceeds going to Mencap.
Ben Cook took part in Dodgeballdayer, and his team ‘The Babies’ won the tournament: “It has been a brilliant day. We’ve never competed before, so we’re brand new Babies. It has been a fantastic day to raise awareness and money for Mencap,” he said.
Ciara Lawrence, who has a learning disability and played in Dodgeballdayer, said: “It has been lots of fun playing today and the atmosphere has been great. It’s been great to see all of the creative fancy dress ideas as well.
“It has been a really good day, we’ve raised lots of money and awareness for Mencap and learning disability and all the money from today will help Mencap to carry on supporting the lives of people with a learning disability.”
Dodgeballdayer founder Guy Yarrow was inspired to launch the event because of the support Mencap has provided to his brother Max, who has a learning disability, said: “Dodgeballdayer goes from strength to strength, the event is the biggest of its kind in the UK and this is the 7th year we’ve hosted it. Every year and we are always so impressed with the efforts that people go to with their outfits. This year has been absolutely brilliant and we’ve seen all manner of costumes from Where’s Wally to Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
“I always wanted to organise a charity event which was good value and great fun, where else can you dress up as Fred Flintstone, play dodgeball, enjoy a picnic and have one big party all for less than £30? I am delighted to be able to raise money for Mencap to give back for the years of vital support the charity has provided to people with a learning disability, like my brother.”
Rachel Croshaw, Mencap’s events manager, said:“The event has been absolutely fantastic, the atmosphere has been brilliant and everyone has really got in to the spirit of the day with their fancy dress outfits.
“We’re so grateful to everyone who has come along today and helped us to make the event such a success. All of the money raised today will help Mencap to continue its support of the 1.4 million people with a learning disability in the UK and make sure they can live life in the way that they choose.”
August 8, 2016