Friday, 25th July 2008

CITY OF LEICESTER IN SPECIAL OLYMPICS COUNTDOWN

365 days to the start of the 2009 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games in Leicester
The City of Leicester today launched its official one year countdown to the start of the 2009 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games.  

Held every four years the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games will attract over 2,700 athletes, 1,200 coaches, 1,500 volunteers and 6,000 families to the City of Leicester between the 25th – 31st July 2009.

Special Olympics Great Britain Chairman Lawrie McMenemy MBE was the chief guest at the one year countdown event at Leicester City’s Town Hall where he was joined by a host of Special Olympics athletes and ambassadors including pop singer Engelbert Humperdinck, ex-NBA star John Amaechi, and professional snooker player Mark Selby.

The Official One Year Countdown event also saw the unveiling of Leicester City’s Special Olympics countdown clock. The mobile clock will be transported to major sporting events across the region in the lead-up to the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games next July to raise awareness of the event.

Lawrie McMenemy MBE, said: “It has been a humbling experience to see all of the athletes gathered here in Leicester today to mark the One Year Countdown Event. To see the enthusiasm the people of this city are showing for the 2009 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games is wonderful. There is a genuine warmth from everyone here for the Games and it should be an unforgettable week next July.”

Special Olympics National Summer Games Chairman Ted Cassidy MBE said: “Leicester has the vision, passion and people to deliver a fantastic and memorable Special Olympics GB National Summer Games. The countdown event provides us with the ideal opportunity to showcase what Special Olympics is all about. The people of Leicester are right behind the Games and I am sure they will come out in their numbers to support our programme of Special Olympics events between now and the start of the Games next year.”

Supported by local bodies and sporting clubs such as Leicester City Council, Leicester City F.C. Leicestershire County Cricket Club and Leicester Tigers R.F.C., the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games will act as a platform for the city’s regeneration which includes the building of a new theatre, shopping centre and science park.

The opening ceremony for the games will take place at the Walkers Stadium on July 25th, 2009, which is set to feature 21 sports across Leicestershire and Rutland.