50th Event 10 – Watersports Day

Under a clear blue and cloudless sky on Saturday 9^th July, SDC employees flocked to Box End Park in Bedford for our tenth charity event, a Watersports Day. The event started at 1pm and spectators began to line the bank with deck chairs and picnics, ready for an afternoon of ‘OOH’s and AHH’s’ as they watched SDC employees splash about on the water.

Participants picked up their wetsuits and lifejackets, but with the temperature forecast for a high of 25 degrees, many opted to brave the water in the hopes it would cool them down instead. There was a choice of four activities, and at a heavily discounted price, it’s no wonder that nearly all 1000 slots filled up so quickly.

The Aqua Park, a giant inflatable with obstacles to cross, tunnels to roll through, and slides that dropped you into the lake, was just one of the activities available. Similarly, the Lake Ninja had participants leaping, climbing, and swinging from obstacles to cross the course without falling in –Total Wipeout style.

Those not keen on inevitably falling in the water tried paddleboarding instead. A much calmer experience saw SUPper’s receive a quick lesson followed by a paddle across the Northern Lake soaking up the sun. This activity proved popular on the day, with some paddler’s opting to take their children out on the boards too. Arguably the most talented of SDC’s employees, however, opted to try their hand at the Cable Tow. Holding on to a long cable, participants tried kneeboarding, before progressing onto Wakeboarding – with some very impressive falls along the way.

For those children too young to take part in the activities Box End Park’s new addition, made exclusively for this event, was a small beach area which provided the perfect place to play. With a sandy shore and a shallow section of water, children splashed about and built sandcastles as their parents sunbathed from the side. We also had some of our popular garden games, such as Footdarts, and a variety of arts and crafts activities.

As we all know that swimming works up an appetite, participants at our event had a variety of food and drink vendors to choose from. From a choice of hog roast, BQQ, fish and chips, and ice cream for dessert, there were lots of treats to enjoy, perfect for a sunny day.

As the last few sessions ended, Director Andrew Mitchell took to the stage to start the presentations. Andrew thanked the volunteers, event organisers, and Box End Park, before presenting gold sponsors Bower Fuller with a gift and thanking them for their generous sponsorship. Andrew then went on to present each of the chosen charities, Sue Ryder and BDCPS, with a cheque for £5000.Andrew concluded by closing another successful SDC 50 event, and everyone dried off in the sun before heading home.