Clackmannanshire Council Online

Forth Valley Success in UK Games

Forth Valley Disability Sport Team have excelled themselves in the 8th National Summer Games which Leicester City Council are hosting for the second time in 20 years. Their medal haul has reached 26 Gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze and the tally is continuing to rise as the competition ends on Friday 31 July for the Level 2 gymnasts, equestrian and footballers.

57 athletes aged 9 to 62 years of age from Falkirk Stirling and Clackmannanshire are representing Forth Valley in the Games which is a competition for people with learning disabilities and is organised by Special Olympics GB. A third of the team are from Clackmannanshire and have been training with the Council's sports development and school staff to prepare for this event.

The athletes have competed against 2,700 others from 18 other regions in the UK in athletics, boccia, bowls, equestrian, football, golf, gymnastics and swimming.

The games began with an overwhelming opening ceremony which set the scene for the week long competition with a fantastic array of colourful costumes and displays. Gordon Brown and Lawrie McMenemy welcomed the athletes in their parade as they entered Walkers stadium to the electric atmosphere of the cheers of the crowd in the full stadium.

Martin Johnstone former British Lions Captain, welcomed everyone to Leicester and formally opened the games with a good luck speech.

The Forth Valley Team have been training hard for the competition which took place in 18 venues throughout Leicestershire and the commitment of the athletes has been evident in the results which you can see listed below. Clackmannanshire Council funds two members of staff who work closely with all primary schools, sportcentral and Forth Valley Disabilty Sport to make sure there are loads of resources and opportunities for disability sport. Clackmannanshire Council ensures children with physical or learning disabilities are automatically included in mainstream primary school PE lessons, after school and school holiday clubs, school sports events and regional events.

Clackmannanshire Provost Derek Stewart said, "What a result for disability sport in the Forth Valley. My warm congratulations go to the team and all who support them. It takes courage from parents and carers to see their loved ones head off without them to compete. Leicester City Council has gone the extra mile to make competitors welcome and given them the chance to make friends and families proud."

Graham Harvey, Team Manager said, "It has been a fantastic week of competition and for many of the athletes it has been their first time away from home and competing in a week long event. Everyone will be going home with memories they will never forget." He also went on to thank the many sponsors and volunteers who have made it possible for the team to be here.

If anyone would like to more information about sports participation opportunities for people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities please telephone Forth Valley Disability Sport on 01324 590 720.