A fantastic day of sport, determination and fun
We were delighted that members of Keynsham Mencap were able to take part in the Bob Cook Games 2026, an annual sporting event organised by Chippenham Lions for people with learning and physical disabilities.
Held at the athletics track in Swindon, the Bob Cook Games are a very special date in the calendar. The event brings together competitors and supporters from Mencap groups, disability organisations and Lions Clubs from across the region for a day filled with sport, encouragement, friendship and plenty of smiles.
The Games were originally started by Chippenham, Melksham and Corsham Lions Clubs and were later taken on by Chippenham Lions. They were named in honour of Bob Cook, a much-loved Charter Member of Chippenham Lions who played an important role in establishing the event.
Something for everyone
One of the great things about the Bob Cook Games is the wide variety of events, giving competitors the opportunity to have a go at something that suits them.
Events include track races such as the 60m, 100m, 200m and 400m, as well as relay and wheelchair races. There are also a range of field events, including shot, discus, javelin, along with bowls.
For our members, the day is about much more than winning medals. It is about having the opportunity to take part, trying something new, encouraging one another and celebrating everyone’s achievements.
Success for Keynsham Mencap!
Although medals are awarded for success in the individual events, there are also three major trophies – two long standing and a third introduced last year.
A massive congratulations to Chelsea Taylor for winning the ‘Joy Cook’ memorial trophy, which was awarded by Julie Hamlen; daughter of the late Joy Cook and wife of Chippenham Lion, Norman.
The ‘Joy Cook’ trophy is awarded to an individual who may not always win the events but who always tries their best, gets involved, and embraces the spirit of the competition.
And a huge congratulations to Jethro Payne for winning the Boules trophy, which is in memory of Stan Scarth and John Pritchard of the Corsham and Melksham Clubs respectively. This trophy was awarded by Melksham member Mia Pasi.
Well done Chelsea and Jethro, we are incredibly proud of you both!
A day to remember
For Keynsham Mencap, trips and activities such as the Bob Cook Games are an important part of providing opportunities for our members to be active, socialise and enjoy new experiences. Our clubs offer a wide range of activities throughout the year, including football, boccia, fitness and other sporting opportunities.
The Bob Cook Games bring all of these things together into one brilliant day – sport, friendship, teamwork, encouragement and lots of fun.
A huge thank you to Chippenham Lions and all the Lions Clubs, volunteers, officials and supporters who make the Bob Cook Games possible. Events like this provide fantastic opportunities for people with disabilities to compete, challenge themselves and, most importantly, enjoy being part of something special.
We are very proud of everyone from Keynsham Mencap who took part in the Bob Cook Games 2026. Well done to all our competitors – you did yourselves proud!
We can’t wait to do it all again next year!
