Paralympic gold medallist joins Naomi and Jack's Sports Day

Aaron Phipps MBE, a member of the Great Britain wheelchair rugby team, took part in the inclusive Sports Day at Naomi and Jack’s, a hospice for children, young adults and families that use the charity’s services.

He attended the hospice event with his wife and two daughters, joining in the activities and giving a talk to children, families and staff.

Naomi and Jack's held its first accessible Sports Day attended by British Paralympic gold medallist Aaron Phipps. (Image: Naomi and Jack's)

He also brought along his gold medal and The London 2012 Olympic Torch, signed Sports Day certificates for participants and posed for photos.

Phipps said: "It’s been absolutely amazing being at the all-inclusive Sports Day at Jack’s Place.

"We’ve been playing lots of games, spinning around, throwing balls all over the place, but most importantly, there’s been lots of smiles and lots of families having an amazing time.

"It’s been really humbling and it’s been a real privilege to be here with everybody."

The event, organised by the play and activities team at Naomi and Jack’s, featured a full programme of accessible games and entertainment.

Children, young adults and families took part in activities including a ‘splash dash,’ flamingo hoopla, parachute games and a mystery obstacle course.

Naomi and Jack's held its first accessible Sports Day attended by British Paralympic gold medallist Aaron Phipps. (Image: Naomi and Jack's)

Every child, young adult and sibling was given a certificate for completing the Sports Day at the end of the day.

Claire Potterton, play and activities manager at the charity, said: "We were delighted to host our very first accessible Sports Day at Naomi and Jack’s.

"There was a huge feeling of ‘togetherness’ on the day, where everybody let their hair down, had fun and made memories.

"We are thrilled that Aaron was able to join us.

"He is an incredibly down to earth, approachable and fun guy that simply got involved with the activities, chatted to everybody and shared some brilliant stories.

"Thank you so much to Aaron and his family for coming along and bringing so much to a brilliant day.

"And thank you to all of our staff and volunteers who fully embraced the event and made it special for our families."

The day also included face painting and tattoos, provided by Nat Splats Facepaint, and encouragement from Ozzy the Ostrich, the day’s mascot, played by Nurse Sian.

Phipps, from Totton, Southampton, competed for Team GB in wheelchair rugby at the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London and at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, where the team won gold.