COMPETITORS from across Wiltshire took inspiration from the Olympics when they came together for the annual Bob Cook Games.

The event, which is organised by the Chippenham Lions Club, allows people with physical or mental disabilities to compete in their own sports events.

Named in honour of Bob Cook, a former member of Chippenham Lions who founded the games, the event was held on the athletics track at the Swindon’s County Ground Sports Complex on Sunday (August 14).

Opened by Swindon Mayor Eric Shaw, more than 250 competitors took part in a range of events including running, relays, discuss, shot put, javelin and bowls amongst others.

“It was fantastic, we enjoyed ourselves but most importantly the feedback we got from the competitors was tremendous,” said Derek Angell, president of the Chippenham Lions and leader of the committee for the Bob Cook Games.

“A lot them say it’s their best day of the year.

“The competitors are not athletes they’re people with learning or physical difficulties who come along and do their best and have a good time.

“They enjoy the comradery of it all, they have fun as a group and support each other in their races whether they’re coming first or last.

“They’re not competing in a nasty sense, they are all just happy for each other.”

The Joy Cook memorial trophy, awarded to a competitor who represents the games’ true spirit of determination against the odds, went to Tanya Compton of Chippenham Gateway.

A trophy was also awarded in memory of former Chippenham member, supporter and worker for the games, Ivor Bull, which went to Andrew Green of the Enterprise Club.