200 days to the start of the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games Leicester 2009

 

The City of Leicester today celebrated the 200 day countdown to the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games Leicester 2009 with an athlete showcase in Highcross shopping centre.

 

Special Olympics Leicester ambassadors Alan Birchenall and Steve Walsh joined shoppers to watch Special Olympics athletes from the East Midlands region demonstrate their skills in basketball, football and gymnastics, as they took a break from training for the Games. The organising committee were on hand to update shoppers on the Games coming to Leicestershire and how they can get involved, plus the brand new range of Special Olympics Leicester merchandise was available to buy.

 

The 200 Day Countdown event also saw the Special Olympics countdown clock start its travels around the city to celebrate the landmark date, arriving at the clock tower in the centre of town. The countdown clock will be making a number of appearances throughout the region to drive excitement and interest in the build up to the Games.

 

Steve Humphries, Special Olympics Leicester Games Director, said: "Today was fantastic. It was great to see the athletes demonstrate their skill and expertise in the sports ahead of the games, it provides a real showcase of the talent that is coming to Leicester in July this year. With 200 days to go the excitement is really starting to grow, having some of our high profile ambassadors at the event was a real treat for the local community and the Special Olympics athletes, just a taste of what is to come in July."

 

Leicester City legend Steve Walsh paid extra attention to the footballers at the event, who came in for some praise from the ex-Foxes man: "The guys today have shown they have some real skills, and based on what I've seen I'm sure they'll be a threat to any other Special Olympics region come the National Summer Games. Hopefully the home Leicester crowd can cheer them to victory in July!"