New chapter for the Recovery Games

The Recovery Games is set to start a new and exciting chapter in its evolution.

Since the first Recovery Games in 2013, this annual event celebrating the achievements of people in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction has grown into a national fixture, attracting participants from across the UK and beyond.

Initially a local Doncaster grass roots event held by Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service, a partnership between our trust and registered charity, The Alcohol and Drug Service (ADS), the Recovery Games support and the movement for the games has become increasingly community driven.

Both RDaSH and ADS are delighted that community leaders have decided to set up an independent lived experience organisation to take the games into the future.

Toby Lewis, Chief Executive of our trust, said:

“The Recovery Games began as a celebration of the work of Aspire Drug and Alcohol Service, a Doncaster-based service supporting people in recovery from substance misuse. It has grown into a strong community led event and movement and it is a great time to hand it over to the community, in line with the vision of RDaSH of nurturing the power in our communities.”

Tim Young, Chief Executive of The Alcohol and Drug Service, said:

“The Recovery Games has for many years been an inspiration for recovery and, the time is now right for it to move to where it should properly reside. Within the recovery community. I look forward to watching it continue to spread its positive message of hope and fun.”

The Recovery Games will be headed up by Founder and Director Neil Firbank, who said:

“I want to sincerely thank everyone across the partnership for their support over the past 12 years.

“This next step is about the spirit of the Recovery Games while creating new opportunities for it to grow, inspire, and spread its message of hope, connection, and fun to even more people.

“Without the support, belief, and commitment of Aspire and the wider drug and alcohol partnership, the games simply would not have reached the level of success it enjoys today. The Recovery Games will now focus on its next phase of growth as an independent organisation, building on the strong foundations laid through partnership working and shared vision.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing drug or alcohol issues, please search for drug and alcohol services on our website or ring 03000 213 900.

To know more about the Recovery Games please contact admin@recoverygames.org.

Published: February 18, 2026