Thursday, 16th July 2009
GEARING UP FOR THEIR SPECIAL EVENTS
The atmosphere was electric at Hastings Road Day Centre this morning as athletes and spectators held a mini-competition event to prepare for the Special Olympics week. The athletes have been training for many weeks with the aim of developing their motor skills by carrying out tasks such as pushing a ball, or stepping across a low bar. The audience roared their encouragement as each personal goal was reached.
“I can’t. I’m too shy!”, protested Gary as he was gently coaxed by his carer to take his turn in the ball kicking event.
The shyness turned to jubilation, “One more time!” he shouted as the ball neatly rolled between the two goal posts and the audience clapped loudly and cheered.
This personal triumph was repeated many times during the morning by other athletes. Faces beamed as certificates were handed out to mark the occasion.
In less than two weeks these athletes will be ready to show just what can be achieved and in the meantime, the training continues.
“Are you pleased with me? Are you proud of me?” Gary asked anxiously.
“Yes mate, I’m proud of you”, said his carer, with a grin.
The Motor Activities Training Programme is part of the Special Olympics. Taking place at Evington Leisure Centre from Monday July 27th – Wednesday July 29th, this extra special event will allow the involvement of athletes with complex and profound disabilities. There is no award placing and all of the awards are designed to highlight the achievement of individual athletes. Presentations will be made at the completion of each event.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
Many of these athletes have physical disabilities, as well as severe learning disabilities and this is the first time they have participated in a competitive environment. The word ‘motor’ refers to body movement and co-ordination and the motor based activities give athletes an opportunity to participate in a wide range of specially adapted sports.
By offering this non competitive programme at this year’s Special Olympics, participating athletes will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their personal best. There is no award placing and all of the awards are designed to highlight the achievement of individual athletes and presentations are made at the completion of each event.
Written by Bridget Masters, media volunteer. 0116 2672229
Photographs should be available from Hasting Road Day Centre.
GEARING UP FOR THEIR SPECIAL EVENTS
The atmosphere was electric at Hastings Road Day Centre this morning as athletes and spectators held a mini-competition event to prepare for the Special Olympics week. The athletes have been training for many weeks with the aim of developing their motor skills by carrying out tasks such as pushing a ball, or stepping across a low bar. The audience roared their encouragement as each personal goal was reached.
“I can’t. I’m too shy!”, protested Gary as he was gently coaxed by his carer to take his turn in the ball kicking event.
The shyness turned to jubilation, “One more time!” he shouted as the ball neatly rolled between the two goal posts and the audience clapped loudly and cheered.
This personal triumph was repeated many times during the morning by other athletes. Faces beamed as certificates were handed out to mark the occasion.
In less than two weeks these athletes will be ready to show just what can be achieved and in the meantime, the training continues.
“Are you pleased with me? Are you proud of me?” Gary asked anxiously.
“Yes mate, I’m proud of you”, said his carer, with a grin.
The Motor Activities Training Programme is part of the Special Olympics. Taking place at Evington Leisure Centre from Monday July 27th – Wednesday July 29th, this extra special event will allow the involvement of athletes with complex and profound disabilities. There is no award placing and all of the awards are designed to highlight the achievement of individual athletes. Presentations will be made at the completion of each event.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
Many of these athletes have physical disabilities, as well as severe learning disabilities and this is the first time they have participated in a competitive environment. The word ‘motor’ refers to body movement and co-ordination and the motor based activities give athletes an opportunity to participate in a wide range of specially adapted sports.
By offering this non competitive programme at this year’s Special Olympics, participating athletes will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their personal best. There is no award placing and all of the awards are designed to highlight the achievement of individual athletes and presentations are made at the completion of each event.
Written by Bridget Masters, media volunteer. 0116 2672229
Photographs should be available from Hasting Road Day Centre.
