The Woodland Games
![The Woodland Games](/content/images/size/w2000/2022/09/Picture5.jpg)
On 3 September our Central England Co-op MCC member Shaz attend the Woodland Games in South Birmingham. Hear his account of the day below
Central England Co-op Western MCC supported the Woodland Games in south Birmingham. The Woodland Games an art adventure that helped the participants learn about ecology and take part in a co-operative sports day organised by artists Hipkiss and Graney. September the 3rd was the culmination of the programme. A series of workshops took place to design costumes and learn about ecology for the final event. The workshops were hosted at fellow co-operative Art Gallery Artefact.
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On September the 3rd itself Hipkiss and Graney led the ecologically themed sports day. A procession led by Jonathan Graney from Artefact to Hazelwell Park. The event itself involved two-sports day style events where teams worked together to get the best combined time. Up first was an exercise where the participants collectively pushed giant papier mache eggs and a beach ball around the park, utilising their costumes in a sneaky fashion.
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The second activity named blade runner involved carrying a large blade of “grass” in a relay. This game involved the teams co-ordinating their efforts to carry this awkwardly shaped “grass.” Once the games were over, all those taking part received an individually designed medal. All of the medals were designed by a local artist and were funded by Central England Co-op.
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Everybody involved had a great time. One participant said about the Woodland Games; “The whole thing just makes me so so happy, I love the Woodland Games”
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Overall, 122 people participated in both the workshops and the Woodlands Games day itself, whilst 72 happy people took part in the Woodland Games day itself. Central England Co-op was happy to support the inaugural Woodland Games, which brought joy and helped families learn about ecology.