News

On Saturday 3rd August, a sports day was held for the Ward office staff at Donald Ward House, Ilkeston. This was a wonderful opportunity for the team to bond during fun events like a Slam Dunk, Egg and Spoon Race, Tug of War and a Penalty Shoot Out, ending with burgers and beverages. Employees from the local gym also came down to help with scoring, while helping to promote fitness in the workplace.

The first Ward Olympics was planned as a fun social event and organised by our HR Manager Wendy Smith and deemed a great success. Wendy commented: “The event came about after our recent office move as many colleagues don’t see each other as often any more, everyone felt it was a great idea to get together again for a catch up, a laugh and a bit of exercise. Social events which encourage friendships are very important to the team and they can help make the opportunities to work at such a place a real pleasure.”

Held at Donald Ward House, Ilkeston, in the former Albion Leisure Centre sports hall, the events taking place were very similar to those of school sports days of the past, kicking off with a Slam Dunk where team members given three attempts to score a basket.  Other races included an Egg and Spoon Race, Sack Race, Skipping Race, Balloon Race (running with a balloon between your knees) and Three legged Race. A very competitive Tug of War and a Penalty Shoot Out, all played in a relay with teams of five, each with their own team name.

The event concluded with everyone enjoying some nice burgers and well earned beverages, while nursing any minor injuries.

Special thanks goes to the very kind volunteers who stepped in at the last minute to make up the numbers – James Balfour’s two sons and Tash from Customer Services’ partner. Extended thanks go out to Anneka for her help in organising this event, Beth from our IT team for creating the event posters.

Another kind volunteer was Adam Smith from the local Gym, Snap Fitness, who came along to help with the activities and do the scoring, so that Wendy herself could take part. His team are working tirelessly going around to visit local businesses to promote fitness and wellbeing in the workplace. Hopefully more such events and activities are on the cards for the future.

Congrats #TeamWARD on a great event.