Held from 25th – 31st July, over 2,700 learning disabled athletes representing 19 Special Olympics regions across the UK, participated in the 8th GB Special Olympics Games, which is held every four years.
As part of the Yorkshire & Humberside Special Olympic Team, Guy Balderson, Paul McKee and his partner, Lynn Williams, all took part in the Power Lifting events. Both Paul and Lynn won four Golds each, and Guy scooped four Silvers, in their respective Squat, Bench Press, Dead Lift and Combination events.
Guy said; “It was wonderful to take part, and my mum and dad travelled down from Harrogate to support me and held up a banner that my sister had made, - they are very proud of me!”
Coach Jane Hague trains Paul, Guy and Lynn as part of a full team of 21 at Armley Prison Gymnasium, Leeds, every Sunday, 19 of which participated in the Special Olympics.
“I’m really proud of them, they achieved fantastic results and worked well as a team, supporting each other throughout the event,” added Jane. Avalon customer, John Parker, also participated in the Games, winning a bronze medal for the Yorkshire & Humberside Team in the 5-A-side football. John scored nine goals during 5 matches. Gary Lineker OBE signed hundreds of autographs and posed for photographs as he watched John and fellow Special Olympics athletes take part in the football competition.
“They are clearly very dedicated and skilful footballers. It’s great to see them out here not only taking part but also competing to a high standard,” he commented.
A host of celebrity names supported the athletes during Games week. The Rt Hon Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife, Sarah, and Tim Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics, launched the Opening Ceremony, accompanied by music from The Beautiful South.
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