Special Olympics Summer Games 2009
75 athletes and coaches from the Bradford District will be attending the National Special Olympic Games in Leicester next summer. The Bradford squad will be representing Yorkshire & Humberside Special Olympics who will be taking a 250 strong team.
Athletes are currently taking part in weekly training sessions as well as competing at local and regional competitions in preparation for next summer.
Athletes from Bradford will compete in a range of events including, Swimming, Ten Pin Bowls, Athletics, Power-Lifting, golf, Indoor Bowls & Basketball and Football.
Special Olympics provide a vital service to people with learning disabilities, competitions are structured so that athletes compete against people of the same ability giving everyone the chance to participate, perform and achieve.
At present athletes with Learning Disabilities are excluded from competing at Paralympics competitions across the world. Next summers national games will be the biggest sporting competition of the year with over 3000 athletes with learning disabilities competing in the week long event.
The cost required to take the Bradford team is approximately £34,000, Money raised will go towards training, accommodation and transport. A further several thousands of pounds will be needed for all the kit required.
BDSL is looking for sponsors, donations and support from the whole of the Bradford community. The athletes will be fund-Raising themselves by a number of sponsored Walks. Swims, and so on.
The ages of the athletes range from 15 to 50 years old and come from all over the District of Bradford.
The date of the games is 25th – 31st July 2009 and is being hosted by Leicester City Council.