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On behalf of everyone involved with Special Olympics, Leicester, It has been a privilege and an honour to serve the Special Olympic family and to deliver the 8th National Summer Games and celebrate in - true Olympic tradition.
On Friday July 31st 2009, we came to the end of 7 glorious days of sporting achievements. ‘Thank you’ Special Olympics Great Britain for the honour of hosting these magnificent games for the second time in our City’s history.
Special Olympics athletes once again you totally mesmerised us all with your sporting talents, sportsmanship, enthusiasm, competitive spirit, teamwork and passion for life. You are amazing role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Special Olympics spirit lives in the warm embrace of all competitors across the 19 UK regions.
A huge debt of thanks is due to all those wonderful 1500 volunteers – ‘Team Orange’, from schools, youth clubs, scout and guide movements, police, Lions Clubs, health, and education authorities, the business community, public sector bodies, sports clubs, Leicester City Council and Leicestershire County Council all of whom set aside any self interests by pulling together on a scale never witnessed before in the city, to show how much we cherish and admire the Special Olympics athletes and to welcome their families and friends.
Thank you also to all those involved in planning and organising of the games, the venues & key partners, the Special Olympics Board and the truly talented and committed members of the Games Organising Committee.
Behind the SOL team is another team of heroes, our families, who have sacrificed so much, to enable us to focus on giving our best for the cause. We couldn’t have completed the journey without your support – thank you.
Long after the flag is lowered and the fireworks fade, these games will live long in the memory. Now the real work begins. We must seize the moment and build on the acceptance and deep respect all athletes have received from the Leicestershire public throughout this glorious week of sporting triumphs.
This is our legacy and we must pursue this cause with a fierce passion and commitment in the days, months and years ahead – and we will!!!
Finally, to all our new best friends, remember us, like we will always remember you and please come back to our city again and again.
Steve Humphries
Games Director
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| A Sporting Chance |
