DMA staff swapped their BlackBerrys for basketballs last Friday (18 May) to help give London’s children a day of sporting fun.

They joined volunteers from other businesses including BT and Lloyds Banking Group at Hackney’s Britannia Leisure Centre, as part of Give & Gain Day. 

Give & Gain Day is the only global day of employee volunteering, and is organised by Business in the Community.

As well as business volunteers, there were sports coaches, teachers and 250 eight- to 11-year olds. The idea was to give youngsters the chance to have a go at and take up sports they hadn’t tried before. 

Activities included handball, rugby, basketball, cricket and boccia (a type of bowling). Taking inspiration from the Olympics, the day aims to promote the social value of sport and its ability to transform communities.

The coaches have offered to visit local schools in the future to demonstrate their sport so that teachers can continue the good work.   

DMA media channels executive, Katrina Too, said: “Friday was definitely an eye-opener. It felt good to be giving something to society.”

Former DMA employee, Debbie Paget added: “It was so rewarding to see children trying sports they had not even heard of and the enthusiasm as they realised which ones they liked and how much they liked playing them. 

“Team work was a top focus which is not only fundamental for sports played on the day but supports personal development in all aspects of their lives.”

Posted by 

Smarayda Christoforou