On the 28th September 2008, over 100 children converged at the Alexander Stadium, Birmingham, to participate in a special day. What made the day so special was that the children participating had all been affected in one way or another, by an Inborn Metabolic Disease.
Dr Anita MacDonald, a world renowned specialist in the treatment of metabolic diseases, organised the day with help from colleagues at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and sponsorship from companies such as Nutricia Ltd. The aim of the day was to provide these children affected by metabolic diseases with a chance to meet, greet and compete against each other in a variety of events. The day started with a traditional Chinese Dragon Dance, a homage to the summer Olympics. To mark the opening ceremony, a special flame was lit and the events started, from the 200 metres to the ‘Best smiley face’ competition. The ages of the children participating ranged from 2 – 16 years and everyone had the chance to compete in some of the events (with the ‘Bunny Hop’ being fiercely contested amongst the younger participants!)
Once the competition had drawn to a close, it was time for the medals. There was a very special guest of honor there for the presentation. Mickey Bushell won a Paralympic Silver medal for the T53 100m sprint at the Beijing Games and was on hand to not only hand out medals, but also to inspire the children and show that they too can achieve their goals through hard work and persistence. The children were given their medals and flowers in front of their family and friends before the big finale. An (almost) impeccably cheorographed dance routine in the middle of the track field in the shape of the olympic rings!
Some were there to compete, some were there to make friends, but all were there to have a good time, and for this, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital IMD Games 2008, definately took the gold!
