Special Olympics lets athletes with disabilities go for gold

A charity group that gives sporting opportunities for youngsters with disabilities will soon see five years of hard work come to fruition.
 

Over 100 young people will take part in the "Sportshall" Athletics Competition organised by Special Olympics Stafford (SOS).

 
The day-long event takes place at Chase Leisure Centre, Cannock, on Sunday December 2.

Participants will compete in events including sprints, javelin, chest push, speed bounce and obstacle relays.


Dave Sandford, Stafford Special Olympics Publicity Officer said: "The organisation has been in existence now for five years, and we have been competing at various events in the West Midlands area. However this is the first tournament that we have staged independently and is the culmination of hard work by a lot of people."

Pictured below: Junior athletes train at Blessed William Howard Catholic School

The athletes all come from the Stafford area and range in age from eight years to adults. They hold regular training sessions at Blessed William Howard Catholic School, Stafford. 

Members include Jonathan Buckless, EFDS (English Federation for Disability Sport) under 15s 100-metre junior champion. Pictured left:  Sprint champion Jonathan Buckless will also compete in the javelin event

Dave added: "We have voluntary qualified coaches who give up their time throughout the year to enable athletes with disabilities develop and build their skills. As a group we have seen the positive effect of our athletes participating in sporting events as a group, and individually each has gained in confidence and independence from having the opportunity to experience events on an equal basis.
 

"Some events are adapted to enable all to compete and events are segregated by age. There is a definite competitive edge and everyone wants to win, although the main priority is participation and confidence building. We like live up to the motto of the Special Olympics, which is, 'Let me win, but if I cannot, let me be brave in the attempt'."
 

Guest of honour at the event will be Sporting Champion, James Hillier, Commonwealth Games 4x400m silver medallist.


More information about Special Olympics Stafford can be found at:

www.freewebs.com/sostafford

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A grant of £500 towards the cost of the event was awarded from SASSOT's Access ACROSS Staffordshire fund.

Closing date for applications is 4 February 2008.