The “It’s a Special Knockout”challenge is a very special event for those with special needs and disabilities from across East Sussex.Now in its 19thyear, the event was organised by Bexhill Lions Club with the support of Lions from other local Clubs and was held again at Bede’s School, Upper Dicker.
Event Director, David Burstow explained “Each Lions Club sponsors local groups to take part. This year there were 7 groups represented by100 contestants in 11 teams, together with carers, family and friends. There were over 40 Lions helping on the day , together with 18 senior students from Bede’s School”
A rattle of Mayors from Bexhill, Eastbourne, Hailsham and Polegate got very involved during the day, talking to groups, judging posters, presenting prizes and taking part in the games.
The Hailsham Town Crier, Lion Geoff Rowe, opened the event with loud bell ringing, which signalled the start of the games.
Games played included relay races as well as the ever popular team games including “Dinner for 6”, “Duck Pond”, “Hang out the Washing” and “Postman Pat” with friends and supporters cheering the teams on. It was almost as exhausting for the Mayors, Lions, and helpers who had a lot of exercise assisting the contestants, as for the contestants themselves. Cllr Abul Azad from Bexhill displaying significant skills in the hockey game!
The Joker Card competition was won by Bexhill Gateway and the poster competition by Phab from Uckfield.
The mid-way Disco, run by the MC Lion Kevin Hawkins, didn’t seem to diminish the team energies – with many joining in, including the Mayors, students and Lions Mascot, although some of the organisers did take a well, earned break!
After a well fought competition by all the teams there were only 2 points separating the first from the third. The overall winnerwas Bexhill Gateway B Team,second prize went to Grove Park Giants (Crowborough) and third prize to Yellow Peril.
All the participants received medals and certificates from the Mayors and Lions
