PEOPLE in recovery have flocked to Stirling from across the country for a special fun sporting event.

The Forth Valley Recovery Olympics went ahead at Forthbank Stadium as a national event for the third consecutive year, bringing together some 300 people who regularly attend recovery cafés and support services.

Hosted by the Forth Valley Recovery Community (FVRC), which regularly holds cafés in the Wee County, in partnership with Active Stirling, the event at beginning of July aimed to give an opportunity to participate in various sports activities.

The primary goal is to celebrate the recovery journey through enjoyable activities with the day not just promoting physical wellbeing but also fostering social interaction during challenging times.

Those taking part have been taking advantage of safe, substance free events in the area, including regular recovery cafés, walks, trips away and more.

The day at Forthbank, held on July 5, saw friendly competition with events such as the egg ad spoon race, wheelbarrow race, fancy dress relays, three-legged races, sprints and soft archery.

Fan favourites the tug-of-war and hungry hippos were highlights on the day.

The event was hailed a massive success with 20 teams taking part, including more than 160 participants and spectator numbers in the three digits.

Tom Gebbie, Active Stirling’s community activation officer, said: “The Forth Valley Recovery Community is dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery in the Forth Valley area.

“Our programme focuses on aiding communities affected by addiction and mental health issues, offering unique events weekly.

“Thank you to all the Active Stirling and FVRC staff that supported the event who made the day such a success.

“Thanks also to the Rapid Relief Team for the food and drink provision, Mr Whippy for the ice-creams, Freed Up for the music, Matt Reid at Stirling Albion for the PA support and the face painter for all their hard work.”

After a great day of competition, The Beacons Bravehearts team earned the top spot on the podium, followed by Phoenix Futures Fife in second and Phoenix Has Risen in third.

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The Forth Valley Recovery Olympics has been an opportunity for people to connect while fighting the stigmas around addiction for years and has become a national affair after Covid-19 lockdowns.

FVRC was established in 2016 and is run by volunteers in recovery, find the group on Facebook for more information or visit forthvalleyrecovers.com for more, including the Forth Valley Recovers app for those in Clackmannanshire and Stirling.