Published on:
16
July 2009
Athletes competing in the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games will be given a super send off from Alloa Academy on Friday 24th July.
The Forth Valley team will leave from Alloa Academy at 9.30am, driving to Leicester where they will join over 2,700 athletes from all over the UK.
But before they go they will receive the best wishes of Provost Derek Stewart of Clackmannanshire, Provost Fergus Wood of Stirling and Provost Pat Reid of Falkirk on behalf of their home counties. A piper will send them on their way.
Athletes, coaches, families and friends have been invited to gather at Alloa Academy from 8.30am on Friday 24th July. You are invited to send a photographer cover the send off at 9.30am.
The Forth Valley team of 55 athletes will compete in eight sports at the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games - athletics, indoor bowls, boccia, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics and swimming. The games will be held in Leicester between 25th and 31st July. Athletes travel to Leicester from 19 UK regions.
The Forth Valley team also has 32 volunteers, coaches and carers who will join 1200 coaches and 1500 volunteers over the seven-days of the games.
Of the 55 Forth Valley athletes, 20 are from Clackmannanshire and 10 of the volunteers and coaches are also from Clackmannanshire. The youngest athlete is aged 9 and the oldest is 60.
This is the largest team Forth Valley has ever sent to a Special Olympics and they have set their sights high and hopes to bring back a collection of medals.
Many of those travelling to Leicester, previously competed at the 2005 games in Glasgow and the 2001 games in Cardiff, although for some this will be their first experience of the Special Olympics.
At the previous Special Olympics GB National Summer Games in Glasgow in 2005 the Forth Valley Team of 28 athletes were represented in five sports and returned with a fantastic hail of medal and ribbons. The gymnasts did particularly well winning 12 gold, 8 silver and 4 bronze medals, while the swimmers brought home 10 gold, 7 silvers and 5 bronze medals.
The strongest representation of Clackmannanshire athletes is in the gymnastics squad, where 7 of the 9 members are from Clackmannanshire. The team trains at the Speirs Centre. There are also Clackmannanshire athletes competing at swimming, boccia and football.
Provost Derek Stewart said: "I am delighted that Forth Valley's three Provosts are coming together to give the Special Olympic team a rousing send off. Once again Clackmannanshire has a strong contingent attending the Games. We wish each member of the Forth Valley team the best of luck as they compete against participants from across the UK. The Forth Valley team always return with a raft of medals and I'm sure this year's team will do themselves and the area proud."
Forth Valley Disability Sport has raised £50,000 through a variety of fundraising events over the past two years in order to send the team to Leicester.
If you wish to help out with fundraising, please email Forth Valley Disability Sport at info@fvds.org.uk
The Special Olympics are for athletes with a learning and intellectual disability.
Notes to Editors
For more information about the team contact Lynn Glen at Sport Central on 01324 590720. For more information about the Special Olympics go to www.sol2009.com