Family Fun Day Success
Families of troops joined them for an afternoon of activities and socialising when the Royal Bermuda Regiment held a sports day at Bermuda College last weekend.
Guests ranged in age from babies to seniors as members of the battalion came together in fun, informal contests that included races in giant “hamster wheels” and volleyball pong – where teams aim to throw a ball into their opponents’ buckets.
Supporters set up camps around the sports field to watch and cheer as soldiers and officers also took part in tug-of-war competitions and football games.
The event was held to highlight the camaraderie and competitive sprit between companies, as well as to share a small aspect of service life with members’ families.
Music and refreshments added to the relaxed atmosphere as troops had the opportunity to catch up and spend time with people from different units.
Corporal Orville Hall, a married father-of-two and a chef, is a drummer in the Regiment’s band.
He said: “It’s nice to come out and have camaraderie because in our line of work, we don’t get to see most of these people.
“It’s a relaxing day away from my regular work.”
The 38-year-old, of Devonshire, who has been in the RBR for 13 years, added: “Regiment is always my favourite place, so whenever it’s a Regiment event I always feel extremely good to be a part of it.”
Lance Corporal James Woolf, 40, is a full-time member of the Coast Guard and said: “It’s nice seeing other faces, especially with us being up at Scenic House, we don’t mix with Warwick Camp people as much as we could do.”
Private Kayla Raymond, who is in Logistics Company, enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with other members of the battalion.
The 21-year-old veterinary assistant of St George’s said: “We get to learn about everyone else, not just our own company.”
Pte Raymond noted that the activities required sportsmanship and teamwork, which developed skills needed in other areas of Regiment life.
Sergeant CJ Richardson, 35, of Warwick and a full-time Coast Guard member, said: “It’s fun to see everyone and interact in some way that’s not official.
“There is a lot of excitement.”
Lance Corporal Leeann Medeiros, who is a minibus driver in her civilian life, appreciated the more casual aspect of the event.
The 31-year-old of Sandys, who is a part-time member of the Coast Guard, explained: “Everyone’s not taking orders all the time, everybody is on the same playing field.
“It’s nice to de-stress and decompress.”
Reflecting on one race when a group of five had to work together as they carried a rungless, inflated ladder overhead, LCpl Medeiros said: “In my team I was the shortest person, trying to keep up with everybody, running on my little tip toes – just having a little fun.”