One of Doncaster’s most powerful community events is gearing up for its biggest year so far.
The Doncaster Recovery Games are preparing for another huge celebration this September, after welcoming 800 competitors and more than 2,000 attendees in 2024.
And this year? It’s going even bigger.
Founded by Neil Firbank, who has lived experience of homelessness and addiction, the games started 12 years ago as a small, school sports day-style event.
There were around 20 teams from Doncaster and neighbouring towns getting involved.
Their mission was to host an inclusive event celebrating drug and alcohol addiction recovery: a place where people can come together, compete in activities, and commemorate their journeys.
Neil, who has been in recovery for over two decades, said true recovery happens in the community.
“I’ve been spat on in the street. I’ve been physically assaulted,” he told The Don.
“People accessing support can feel the stigma. I wanted to create something that mixed recovery with the wider community in a different way.”
Fast forward 12 years, and the games are now one of the largest recovery-focused events of its kind in the UK.
Last year, all 40 team places were filled within 12 hours, and more than 400 competitors had to be turned away.
Teams travelled from as far as Hampshire, with some making a 17-hour journey just to take part.
What began as egg-and-spoon race energy has evolved into climbing walls, axe throwing, giant inflatables, live DJs and a full-scale colour festival finale held at Hatfield Water Park.
But at its heart, the Games are about something much bigger than competition.
That idea has grown into a space where people in recovery and the wider community can come together to celebrate health and second chances.
The best part? Everything is free to access.
Teams register in advance, but members of the public can attend, watch, and even try some challenges themselves.
For many, the Games have become more than just a one-day event.
Neil says he’s heard countless stories from people who credit the event as the moment recovery started to feel possible.
“They’ve got a community there,” he said. “They want to stay in recovery so they can continue to come.”
Last year, one long-time competitor, who had nearly won the tournament on several occasions, sadly passed away after being diagnosed with cancer. His team went on to win, and he was posthumously awarded and buried with a medal.
Moments like that are what make the Recovery Games special.
“There’s a magic feeling when people come,” he said. “It’s contagious.”
Now, the Recovery Games has entered a new chapter.
In January, the organisation applied to become a Community Interest Company (CIC), marking a major step forward in its growth.
The move will allow the Games to expand beyond Doncaster, with plans to explore regional competitions across the UK after demand keeps rising.
The event already works closely with recovery services and even open prisons, with several teams travelling from recovery wings to take part each year.
Not bad for something that started as a small Donny sports day.
This year’s event, expected to take place again at Hatfield, will focus on one big theme: celebration.
Alongside the competitive challenges, organisers are planning a larger opening show featuring live bands and performers with lived experience of recovery.
As the event grows, the team is also calling for more local volunteers to help support on the day.
Around 80 to 100 volunteers are needed to keep the Games running.
If you’d like to get involved, keep an eye on The Recovery Games’ social channels for updates.
From 20 teams on a field to a national movement in the making.
Doncaster doing what it does best: showing that support and community thrives right here in our city.
