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The games, which take place at a different venue every year, have returned to Lincoln for the first time in 10 years, which is in fact the length of time the games have been held. The games are a chance for those less able and fortunate than ourselves to demonstrate their sporting abilities, and to do this, they come from surrounding areas  to take part. The games are supported by The Rotary Club.

The Rotary Club helps those in need, and is run by volunteers, there are over 30,000 different clubs around the world. These clubs are supervised by over 1.2 million people worldwide, and over 50,000 Rotary events are held in many countries. It's a statement of how far rotary has come that it has reached Lincolnshire – it was founded 100 years ago in Chicago, all the way over in the USA.

The games offer opportunities for everyone – they involve 16 clubs from Lincolnshire, and offer a diverse range of sports including - weightlifting, table tennis, archery and darts. In all, there are ten sports, and over three hundred sportsmen and sportswomen take part.

Shooting at the Disability Games

John Hopkinson, of Lindum Rotary Club, spoke to LYJA's Sian about the games' first return to Lincoln for a decade. "Everybody's very excited, and it's very chaotic" said John. "The District Disability Games are ongoing, and have been for perhaps ten years now. All the Rotarians are working very hard." He also mentioned how busy the day was, and enthused over all the different sports involved.

The games are just one example of how Rotary can help those who are disabled, under-privileged or ill to feel equal to those who live normal lives. They can never have the complete lives that we can, but at least they can take part in normal sporting events.

At the end of the day, there was a prize giving ceremony with the awards presented by BBC Look North’s Sarah Cruddas for those who finished victorious but, in truth, all the competitors are winners in the end.

In Pictures

The Rotary District Disability Games were held at the Yarborough Leisure Centre in Lincoln for 2009.

Radio Features

Rotary member John Hopkinson was one of many volunteers behind the scenes who made this years District Disability Games in Lincoln a success. LYJA journalist Siān had chance to speak to him before the days’ events started.

The Lincolnshire Young Journalists have been busy reporting on the Rotary District Disability Games. LYJA Editor Hannah spoke with Rotarian Russ Taylor from Scunthorpe who was pool side at the swimming events.

LYJA Journalist Siān caught up with the table tennis umpire and Rotarian Peter Griffiths in the sports hall to find out how the competitors were shaping up for the final.

Rotarians John and Jim were busy behind the scenes making sure everything was going to plan and Young Journalist Hannah found out exactly what they were doing with a drainpipe?

Video Features

LYJA reporter Bradley, from the Robert Pattinson school newsroom, talks to competitors and coaches at this year's Games.

LYJA reporter Bradley, from the Robert Pattinson school newsroom, catches up with Gainsborough's young weight-lifting star Megan Ainsworth.

LYJA reporter Bradley, from the Robert Pattinson school newsroom, tracks down event organizer Terry O' Halloran.

LYJA reporter Sian, from the Robert Pattinson school newsroom, chats to BBC Look North's presenter  Sarah Cruddas.