Businesses go head-to-head in sports day

More than 200 people from a range of businesses have gone head-to-head in a reimagining of a school sports day for charity.

The teams took part in the event at the University of Staffordshire on Friday, aiming to raise £10,000 to split between 10 local causes.

It included some traditional challenges such as egg and spoon and sack races, as well as an obstacle course.

The event, called Knot A Sport Day, is organised by a group of Staffordshire-based businesswomen.

"It's giving people joy, there's lots of doom and gloom isn't there, you come to this and you see people laughing and having a great time," said Josie Morris, one of the organisers and boss of a packaging company.

"What we wanted to do was create a day that was for everyone, so about diversity, getting as many people down here with different abilities.

"Have as much fun as possible, and raise as much money as we can for charities."

Alongside traditional sports day events, dodgeball and ultimate frisbee were also part of the day.

"Last year we did rounders as well, I think everyone loves rounders," said the MD of Stone-based firm Woolcool.

The day is run under the banner of a community interest company called Knot Events, which was established three years ago.

"It means that we can give something back to the local community," said Fiona Hawkins, who is also managing director of Stoke-on-Trent based marketing agency Plinkfizz.

"And it's fantastic to get businesses across Staffordshire all in one place, all working together for the greater good."

As well as the sports day, Knot Events have also staged a Strictly Come Dancing-style competition, with plans for another at King's Hall, Stoke in November.

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