Michael is a person we support at National Care Group’s 8 Acres service in Norfolk.

Way back in September 2021, Michael set a goal. That goal was to attend the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Thanks to the support, efforts, and meticulous planning by 8 Acres service manager Matt, and night shift leader Toyin, the goal was achieved.

Michael at the 2022 Commonwealth Games

Matt and Michael took some time to reflect on the experience and have shared the story with us:

“The first stage was to select the events that Michael wanted to attend. We’d obtained the full events programme and together, we went through it highlighting the sports that interested Michael. Once he had chosen his preferred events we applied for the ballot.

Michael was thrilled to be invited to purchase tickets to all five events he had selected: Diving, Hockey, Wresting, and two Athletic events.

Michael couldn’t attend the games alone and it was Toyin who offered to chaperone him. He made it his mission to make it an experience Michael would never forget. Together, Toyin and Michael created an itinerary, so Michael knew what to expect from his time at the Games. Toyin wanted to ensure Michael had maximum time at each event – especially those that involved a medal ceremony at the end.

After months of anticipation, when the big day arrived, Michael’s excitement was felt all around as he paced the service in anticipation of Toyin’s arrival. Once he arrived, they both set off on their journey to Birmingham, arriving in time for a spot of lunch.

The next few days were filled with thrills, excitement, and a little surprise for Michael.

Michael’s first event was the platform diving, where he got to see tv personality Fred Sirieix’s daughter qualify for what would be a gold medal winning performance.

An evening of Hockey saw eventual winners in the men’s category, Australia put 6 past India in a pool game on the way to a well-deserved gold.

Michael at the Australia vs. India hockey game.

Michael had a wonderfully action packed first day, and day two was shaping up to be just as busy: first stop Athletics, and an exciting morning of events, before an evening of wrestling over in Coventry.

Knowing Michael is a huge football fan, Toyin had one more treat for him in-between events. They made a quick stop at what was the legendary Ricoh Arena in Coventry. Michael was thrilled, and so grateful for the visit.

Michael in front of the legendary footballer Jimmy Hill OBE statue.

After a thrilling two days, Michael and Toyin made the long drive back to 8 Acres for a well-earned rest before heading back to Birmingham for more events, a couple of days later.

Michael culminated his Commonwealth visit watching the conclusion of the men’s 4x4 100m relay, which he was delighted to see Team England triumph in.

Michael at the 4x4 men's 100m relay event.

Michael, along with Toyin, had the most incredible time at the Commonwealth Games and Toyin thought nothing of driving the TWO 300-mile round trips to Birmingham for Michael’s goal to be achieved.

As part of our person-centred support at National Care Group, we encourage the people we support to set, and achieve, meaningful goals.