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Duck, dodge and donate: UK’s biggest fancy dress dodgeball tournament for Mencap comes to Wimbledon

The UK’s biggest fancy dress dodgeball tournament will descend on Wimbledon this summer.

More than 850 dodgeballers are expected to take over Wimbledon Rugby Football Club for Mencap’s seventh annual Dodgeballdayer on Saturday August 6.

Teams of eight will compete in at least seven games to be crowned champion of the dodgeball field and best fancy dress as each team must have a common theme.

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The event is organised by learning disability charity Mencap and the money raised will ensure they can continue supporting people with learning difficulties, their families and carers.

Dodgeballdayer founder Guy Yarrow was inspired to launch the event because of the support Mencap provided his brother Max.

He said: “I have found London to be filled with young people wanting to do something more than just work hard 9 to 5.

“They are keen to get involved with charitable events but complain about the lack of options out there for less than £30.

“To address this, I wanted to organise something fun, cheap and charitable, which is where the idea of our fancy dress dodgeball tournament came from.

“The event is now in its seventh year and has grown from strength to strength, this year promises to be the biggest and best yet.

“Dodgeballdayer is the largest annual dodgeball tournament in the UK, and the best part is, all of the money raised goes to Mencap.

“My brother Max has a learning disability and Mencap has supported him throughout his life to overcome the many challenges people with a learning disability face on a daily basis.

“I wanted to give something back to Mencap so they can continue to offer vital support to people like my brother.”

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There will be music and food and drink stalls to keep spectators going throughout the day and night, with an auction and raffle in aid of Mencap.

Rachel Croshaw, fundraising events manager at Mencap said:  “Dodgeballdayer is always a guaranteed to be brilliant day giving people the chance to play dodgeball, get dressed up and have a great day out, while raising vital funds for Mencap.

“We’re always so impressed with how creative the teams are with costumes.

“Last year we had teams of all guises including chefs, bananas in pyjamas and crayons!

“We can’t thank enough those who have already entered their teams this year, and all of the money raised will go towards helping people with a learning disability live the life they choose.”

The event will take place on Saturday August 6, 1pm-1am, at Wimbledon Rugby Football Club, SW20 0ET.

It costs £27.50 to play and £10 to watch, you can register here.

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