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Two groups of Special Needs athletes from Bristol and South Gloucestershire travelled to Leicester to compete in football, swimming and judo sports in the 2009 UK Special Olympics. Upon arrival at our Hall of Residence accommodation at Leicester Universities and after settling in for the anticipated action packed week of thrills, the evening was already planned for us to attend the Opening Ceremony at Leicester City Football Club Walkers Stadium. The Opening Ceremony was an extravaganza and started with the Athletes Parade, the real highlight of the night of welcoming the 19 regions from across Great Britain into the stadium. The Southwest contingent of 38 athletes and coaches was dwarfed by the large number of some of the other regions who had representatives of nearly 300 athletes and coaches. Contained within some of these regional parades were Ambassadors of the Special Olympics. o Premier Star Cheerleaders Sunday saw the start of the sporting competitions and in total across many venues in Leicester, 21 different sports were held. During the week long tournament all athletes had at least one free day to relax from competitive action. In and around Leicester many establishments were prepared for an influx of people and provided special events to coincide with this sporting showcase. For those Bristol athletes competing in swimming and football, disciplines started on the Sunday and the first few days of competitive action were the divisioning rounds before they had a well earned rest day before the start of the medal events. During each evening a Southwest management meeting was held and this was usually when the preliminary competition times for the next day sporting schedules would be published. Following on from this meeting, this allowed for the Bristol coaches to have a discussion with the Bristol Team Manager to discuss the requirements for the next day before informing the athletes. Friday, 24th July 2009, after a hard productive but enjoyable week of combative sport, the Special Olympics Closing Ceremony was held in a Leicester public park. The Bristol and South Gloucestershire football team were in high spirits after winning Gold medals and challenged some of the volunteers they had met during the week to another football match. Outside of the Closing Ceremony arena, this match was held and for the Bristol athletes it was going to be their final match in Leicester. The match itself was played at a high, fast and furious pace and the volunteers soon took a 3-0 lead until it was figured out the Bristol team goal posts were larger compared to the opposition. Not to be downhearted the lads soon fought back to 5-3 and by this stage both teams agreed to call the match a draw. My own cherished collection of the Games are varied: o The three swimmers who achieved an excellent haul of medals returning home with 2 Golds, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze and participation ribbons. o On the Friday evening having a meal in the restaurant when the Bristol football team walked in with broad grins wearing their Gold medals around their necks. All the players were proud of their achievement and quite rightly so. o The Special Olympics sports village adjacent to the ‘Walkers’ Stadium where an excellent medical centre was provided for athletes to have a free health screening covering:- o Individual general health and fitness levels Depending on the outcome of the health screening and if any health issues were found, the medical centre would advise the athlete, sports coach or nominated carer the appropriate health course the individual should act upon after leaving this tournament. o Each morning arriving by bus at the Braunstone leisure centre for the swimming events was a humbling experience when staff, volunteers, athlete families and friends and the general public would clap the athletes into and at the end of the day out of the accommodation area. o Walking around Leicester, people in cars would hoot their horns, pull down the car windows to clap, cheer or generally wish all competitors good fortune throughout the tournament. From my own perspective, as one of the volunteers I fully appreciate the effort that is involved in staging a major sporting event. From the organisers, individuals who have given up their time before, during or after the tournament and finally to all those sport coaches who have trained competitors over a number of years to a standard to be able to compete at the Special Olympic Games. Finally, a big thank you to Jay Lee, the South Gloucestershire sports coach, and the tremendous efforts of Sophie, the sports volunteering team and others, who had the overall responsibility of ensuring the group of athletes were well looked after during this tournament. Ian Thomas |