Special Olympics GB National Summer Games kick off

Squib used for the sailing events

On Saturday 25th July, 2,400 learning disabled athletes from across Great Britain arrived in Leicester to celebrate the start of the 8th Special Olympics GB National Summer Games. Held every four years the National Summer Games provide a week of Olympic-styled sports competition for learning disabled athletes across the country. Over 21 sports will be represented during games week with activities taking place across a variety of sporting venues in Leicester between Saturday 25th July and Friday 31st July.

The sailing events will start Sunday 26th July at Rutland SC. The chosen boat is the National Squib. The boats for the event have all been loaned by members of the National Squib Owners Association.

Lawrie McMenemy, Special Olympics GB Chairman, said: “I am eagerly awaiting for the Games to begin. The city of Leicester has done a fantastic job preparing for The National Summer Games as this unique is the perfect stage for athletes to showcase their abilities and competitive spirit whilst making friends for life.”

Ted Cassidy MBE, Chair of Special Olympics Leicester, added: “We are so proud that the Games are taking place in our city. Games week is a culmination of the hard work and dedication from all of the partners and supporters from across the county of Leicestershire and Rutland. The real stars, however, will be the athletes themselves and I hope they have a fantastic time participating in the National Summer Games.”

The Opening Ceremony kicked off at 6:30pm Saturday, 25th July at Leicester City FC’s Walker’s Stadium with football legend Alan Birchenall hosting the event. Recently-reformed pop act the New Beautiful South performed an acoustic set whilst the highlight was the athletes’ parade through the stadium and the lighting of Special Olympics Flame of Hope.

More information at www.sol2009.com/home/sports/sailing-