July 2009 - Pre Games

On Sunday 12 July, Special Olympics athletes from the West Midlands region joined local MP’s and representatives from police forces across Great Britain in Much Wenlock, home of the Modern Olympic Games to celebrate the official lighting of the Special Olympics torch ‘Flame of Hope’.  The  2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Great Britain, supported by National Grid will transport the ‘Flame of Hope’ across 45 towns and cities before arriving in Leicester on Saturday 25th July to mark the official opening of the 2009 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games.

Attending the lighting ceremony during the Much Wenlock 123rd Olympian Games, were past Olympians Robbie Brightwell MBE (silver 1964 Olympics athletics), Ann Packer Brightwell MBE (silver and gold 1964 Olympics athletics), Tom Godwin (2 bronze 1948 Olympics cycling), and Paul Anderson (bronze 1968 Olympics sailing and SOGB Vice Chairman), along with dignitaries Mayor Tim Pinches,  MP Derek Wyatt (Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP and Chairman of London 2012 All Parliamentary Group), MP Philip Dunne (Ludlow), MP DCC Eyre (Leicestershire Constabulary), Steve Humphries (Games Director SOL 2009), SOL 2009 mascot Solly the Lion,  and dozens of Special Olympics Great Britain athletes from Shropshire and the West Midlands. The Flame of Hope was welcomed by Much Wenlock Olympian Society President Roy Rogers in front of a crowd of hundreds.

Following the lighting ceremony in Much Wenlock, the Flame of Hope will be escorted by representatives from police forces across Great Britain through some of the UK’s major cities, including Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester and London before reaching Leicester where it will be welcomed by a range of celebrity supporters to mark the start of the 2009 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games.

296 Special Olympics athletes from the West Midlands region will be taking part in the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games. Set to be the biggest Games to date, it will attract over 2,400 athletes, 1,200 coaches, 1,500 volunteers and 6,000 families where they will participate in a week of Olympic-style sports competitions in the largest multi-sports event in the UK this year.

Lawrie McMenemy MBE, Chairman of Special Olympics Great Britain, said: “I am delighted that the lighting ceremony is taking place at the home of the Modern Olympic Games, it is a symbolic beginning for the nationwide Law Enforcement Torch Run® and a great opportunity to get behind the athletes and support them in the run up to the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games.”

Julian Buttery from National Grid, said: “As the Official Partner of Special Olympics Great Britain, we are delighted to be supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run® in the lead up to the National Summer Games in Leicester.  At National Grid we are committed and fully supportive of this special charity and hundreds of National Grid volunteers are already enjoying and benefiting from their involvement in the Special Olympics Movement.”

Special Olympics Great Britain is the country’s largest provider of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with learning disabilities. Special Olympics Great Britain is recognised as the third member of the Olympic family and is a separate organisation to the Paralympics.

The organisers of the National Summer Games have announced a series of acts that will grace the Opening Ceremony which takes place at  Leicester City Football Club's Walkers Stadium on Saturday 25th July 2009 from 6.30pm.

The recently reformed New Beautiful South who had hits in 1990s with 'Rotterdam' and 'A Little Time' - will be performing a short acoustic set and European Flatland BMX Champion Keelan Phillips will perform alongside eight of the worlds top BMX display riders to wow the crowds. The Philharmonia Orchestra, one of the worlds leading orchestra's, will be performing a specially commissioned fanfare alongside brass players and local school children from across Leicestershire. The Opening Ceremony is supported by Find Your Talent and the Legacy Trust UK's Igniting Ambition programme to ensure it is a fantastic event for all athletes and fans.

Leicester City Football Club legend Alan Birchenall, recently awarded the freedom of the city, has been handed the honour of hosting the event. International arts company Mahogany working alongside local groups Movers, Bamboozle, and Foot in Hand, will be creating a vibrant carnival atmosphere by performing a specially choreographed piece with costumes designed by people with disabilities. In addition professional dance outfit, the Anjali Dance Company, will perform a special routine to get the crowd into a party mood. Both groups include performers with learning disabilities underlining the fact this is no barrier to creativity.

Highlights of the night include the parade of the 2,700 athletes competing in the Games, and Special Olympics torch lighting the 'flame of hope'. Famous faces from the world of sport will join the athletes to open the Games and wish the city good luck!

Tickets are limited and have been priced by the organisers at an affordable level to ensure the local community can attend and enjoy the celebrations. The proceeds from ticket sales will be re-invested into the Games.

Steve Humphries, Games Director, commented: "I'm sure everyone will want to be present at this Special Olympics opening ceremony on Saturday 25th to offer the warmest  of welcomes to all the  SOGB athletes, families and friends. Everyone should purchase the tickets now for this 'I was there' moment to guarantee their seat. We look forward to putting on a fantastic show that Leicestershire and Special Olympics athletes will be proud of."

The Leicester Tigers played host to the '89 games and many will recall the unforgettable atmosphere and the most memorable of occasions. The Walkers Stadium will provide the perfect Olympics setting for Leicestershire people to once again salute the gallant and courageous efforts of Special Olympics GB athletes, in front of the visiting 10,000 families and friends.

For more information visit the Opening Ceremony page.

Between 12 and 25 July the Special Olympics Flame of Hope will travel from Much Wenlock, home of the Modern Olympic Games, through 45 towns and cities to Leicester to light up Special Olympics GB National Summer Games. The 2009 Law Enforcement Torch Run® is being sponsored by National Grid and will cover over 800 miles.

Steve Holliday, Chief Executive of National Grid, said: “As the Official Partner of Special Olympics Great Britain, we are delighted to be supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run® in the lead up to the National Summer Games in Leicester.  At National Grid we like to think of ourselves as going the extra mile for this special charity and hundreds of our volunteers really enjoy and benefit from their

involvement in the Special Olympics Movement. This is a great opportunity to help raise awareness of Special Olympics Great Britain and the Games, which is set to be a wonderful event.”

On Wednesday 24th June, Lee Penfold made a national appearance in the Daily Mirror. Sports Columnist of the Year Oliver Holt met Lee Penfold at the National Media Lunch on May 12th, Oliver was so impressed by Lee's confidence and enthusiasm for sport and Special Olympics that he interviewed Lee and his mum, plus Special Olympics ambassador Damon Hill to write a fantastic piece on the National Summer Games and the positive impact of sport. To read the article in full, please go to the SOL2009.com Media Centre.

On Saturday 4th July Special Olympic Athletes will be joined on the Carnival stage by the former Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Manjula Sood, the Chair of SOL 2009 Ted Cassidy at the annual Braunstone Carnival. The SOL troupe will also be taking part in the in procession from 12.30pm with Solly the Lion.

As part of the SOL Education Resource Pack a wide range city and county schools receiving a “So Lets Learn” Assembly supported by the SOL Marketing Team, athletes and ambassadors, opportunities to win SOL prizes and there’s also a Lion!

Tuesday 18th June saw “The Starkeeper” at the city’s spectacular new theatre, Curve. The event was organised between the Curve and Leicester City Council as part of the SOL 2009 Cultural programme,

whereby local Special Olympians, as well as people from the local community with learning disabilities were invited to attend the show. Tickets to the show were free of charge, and approximately 140 people attended. The Starkeeper was chosen as an appropriate performance due to the universal appeal that it is able to capture, especially through its storytelling through no words.   

Local Special Olympians, as well as people with learning disabilities from the local area were invited as approximately 140 people attended. The audience was treated to a wonderful puppetry performance by Theatre De L'Oeil  combining bewitching music and original scenography without the use of words.

Ruth Eastwood, Chief Executive of Leicester Theatre Trust said: "Today's event shows just how successful the Cultural events running alongside this years Special Olympics can be and demonstrates that like sport, theatre and performance should be enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Curve is delighted to have had the chance to support this years Special Olympics which is sure to be one of the biggest events in Leicester for 2009".

British based charity Islamic Relief supports Special Olympics Leicester 2009 by hosting a FUNdraising 5-A-SIDE Football Tournament with all proceeds going to Special Olympics Leicester 2009.  

Special Olympics Games Director Steve Humphries said: 'This is another glowing example of how the 2009 Special Olympics has inspired communities to make a difference for people with learning disabilities. Here's wishing every success to all those involved in organising and taking part in the Islamic Relief's Special Olympics Leicester 2009 5-A-SIDE Football Tournament.'

 

Islamic Relief is absolutely delighted and honored to host the fundraising tournament in aid of SOL 2009, this is a very SPECIAL Olympics because it has inspired all communities and united millions across the globe by raising awareness of  the special needs of people with learning disabilities. All credit to our local volunteer Abdur-Raheem (Jinx) for what's going to be a very memorable day in celebrating Islamic Reliefs 25th Anniversary this year and for organizing this tournament leading up to a very awesome historical global games in Leicester.'

EVENT: Islamic Reliefs 'Dare 2 Care Challenges' in aid of Special Olympics

Leicester 2009 5-A-SIDE Football Tournament 

DATE: Sunday 19TH July 2009

VENUE: Goals Soccer Centre, Wakerley Road, Leicester LE5 4WJ

KICK OFF: 1:00pm

COST: £45.00 (Goals Tournament rules apply www.goalsfootball.co.uk)

CONTACT: Abdur-Raheem (JINX) M: 07525655691 E: jinxy786@hotmail.com

for poster and booking form.

 

So come along with friends and family and support a very worthy cause. Should you have any queries please call me Salim Y Lorgat on 075000 86624  

Website: www.islamic-relief.org.uk

AN EXHIBITION is being opened Tomorrow (1 July) in the city featuring the 3D images of a number of disabled actors.  

'Motion Disabled', a highly acclaimed touring exhibition, is a digital exploration of the bodies of people who are physically different.

Artist Simon Mckeown uses motion-capture picture technology, 3-D animations of the performers as well as of their props (such as toothbrushes and telephones) and 50in video screens to present a series of movies featuring the everyday actions of those coping creatively with differently abled bodies. The work enables the viewers to engage and explore ideas of normality and difference.

The actors used as 3-D models are living with conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy, missing limbs, brittle bones and short stature. One of the actors, Frank Letch, of Devon, is already a

celebrity on YouTube, where he demonstrates opening bottles with his feet. Richard Hardesty, a mountain bike designer, Luke Hardwick, an actor, Pauline Heath, a dancer, Craig Salisbury, a film actor, Tanya Raabe, a painter, Mat Fraser, a well-known TV actor and martial artist, Steve Graham, a web developer, and Dr Paul Darke, who runs the disability arts organisation Outside Centre, are the other physically different participants.

Mckeown himself has been working in TV animation and computer games for 20 years, in spite of his own condition of brittle bones.

The exhibition, which is part of the Special Olympic cultural programme, will be held at the LCB Depot, in Rutland Street, from July 1 until August 4. There will also be accompanying seminars that will be held at on July 1, 2, 3 and 30 at the Depot.

For further information, contact the LCB Depot on 0116 261 6800.

Have you signed up to be a volunteer at one of this years biggest national sports events? There are still opportunities to join in the fun! Why not join us on an incredible journey – our destination the 2009 Special Olympics National Summer Games to be held in Leicester 25th -31st July.

You will give your time, commitment, energy and enthusiasm and we will provide training, materials and support.  Judo at Leicester Leys Leisure Centre, Bowls at Slater Street Bowling Centre and Powerlifting at the Peepul Centre require a number of additional volunteers.

We are looking for Volunteers who are good communicators, flexible, self motivated but with the ability to work with, guide and motivate others. If you would like to know more or sign up please go to www.sol2009.com/volunteering.

The closing date for all volunteering registrations is Friday 26th June.

KB in the Community, Warriors Basketball Club and England U16 Men’s Basketball Team are working in Partnership with Leicester City Council to deliver a Charity All Star basketball game in aid of the Special Olympics.

Saturday 4th July 2009 sees five International basketball teams and 20 national and International senior basketball players come to Braunstone Leisure Centre in a Basketball extravaganza from Friday to Sunday. On the Friday evening there will be a free exhibition wheelchair basketball game featuring Leicester Cobras.

The main events of the weekend are the Exhibition Wheelchair Basketball Game at 7.30 on Friday 3rd July, England U16 Men v Holland U16 Men at 5.00pm on Saturday 4th July and the Charity All Star Game at 7.30 on the 4th July.

Tickets are available for the England U16 Men’s game against Holland and the All Star Charity Game by calling 07545 554020 however, spectators are welcome throughout the weekend.

This evening Lee Penfold will be featured on the BBC East Midlands TV in the first of a series of features on Special Olympics Leicester. Lee will be on the programme at 6.30pm talking about the Games and his preparation to win on home territory in July.

Special Olympics ambassadors have been backing the National Summer Games by offering merchandise for fan competitions. David James kindly donated an England shirt signed by 14 of the England football squad, plus his England goal keeping gloves. Leicestershire County Cricket Club donated a shirt signed by the squad, look out for the competition in The Hinckley Times.

The first ever history book dedicated to the Special Olympics Great Britain is launched today at the Central Lending Library in Leicester. “A Sporting Chance”, written by Susan Barton is a collaboration between De Montfort University and Leicester University.

The 92-page book will retail at just £10, with all profits going towards the Summer Games.

Today is the annual sports day at Crownhills Community College. The SOL mascot will be at the event to encourage the participants to do their best!

Willowbrook Primary based in Thurnby Lodge are hosting a SOL SO Lets Learn school assembly on Wednesday with attendance by East Midland’s basketball player Lee Penfold and Solly the Lion. Over 350 students will take part in the assembly and explore the topics around Learning disability and SOL 2009. The students will also hear about how they can get involved and celebrate the 8th National Summer Games.

Thursday sees the St Thomas More Primary School Key Stage 2 Sports day. The Community patron and former Lord Mayor, Councillor Manjula Sood will be at the event along with Solly the Lion and representatives from the SOL 2009 organising team. Good luck to all.