What are the Special Olympics?

Special Olympics Great Britain is part of the world's largest programme of sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with learning disabilities.  It currently serves over 8,000 athletes who participate in local sports programmes, then regional, national and international competitions. The National Games are held every 2 years alternating between summer and winter games and then World Games every 4 years. 

Our aims

A Special Olympics City of York Committee has been formed to:

• provide quality sports training 48 weeks in each year
• encourage fitness, commitment and discipline through sport
• provide as many Special Olympics athletes with the opportunity to participate, train and compete in as wide a variety of sports and events as possible
• provide quality coaching
• help athletes develop social skills and build friendships through the interaction and team spirit of their sports training and competition
• provide athletes with the experience of new cultures when travelling abroad
• encourage athletes to compete and participate rather than have an emphasis on winning
• promote the inclusion of people with a learning disability in mainstream sport

The National Games 2009

We supported 19 athletes and 10 escorts to the National Games in Leicester and competed in boccia, swimming, tennis and athletics.  We were very proud to come back with 6 gold, 5 silver and 8 bronze medals.

The European Summer Games 2010

Continuing on from our success in the National Games we attended the European Summer Games in Warsaw, Poland.  Laura Campbell represented Great Britain in tennis where she hit the headlines with a gold medal in the mixed doubles and a silver in the singles.  In Athletics, Joe Hadfield was successful in claiming the silver medal for shot put and bronze for the 100m sprint.  Well done to both these York athletes and all those who took part!

Open Event

If you are interested in learning more about the Special Olympics City of York, our next  open event is on Saturday 24 September at David Lloyd, Hull Road from 2pm till 4.30pm.  You can come along and try out the following sports; boccia, tennis, new age kurling, new age bowls, short mat bowls, football and athletics and meet the athletes and committee members.  If you would like to take part please bring a drink, wear comfortable clothing and shoes that will not mark the floor (white if possible).  

For further information on getting involved please contact Paul Ramskill on 01904 553372.

Volunteering

Volunteers are often needed at our events and to help fundraise. Any spare time given would be very much appreciated.