If you blinked during coverage of the recent World Championships
in London, you may well have missed any mention of the concurrent Special
Olympics GB National Games in Sheffield.
This movement, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968 enables
athletes with learning (intellectual) disabilities to compete at national and
international levels (there are limited events in the more well-known
Paralympic Games).
A group from the pre-Registration Learning Disability
Nursing Programme within the School of Health and Social Work attended the
opening ceremony on Tuesday 8th August 2017 at Sheffield United’s
football stadium Bramall Lane where 2,600 athletes from England, Scotland and
Wales took part in the parade, witnessed the arrival of the Flame of hope which had passed through
Hull a few days earlier and took their oath:
"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Students Gemma Bellerby, Toni Boyne and Abby Downs write
“This was an incredible experience which allowed us to see
the athletes being celebrated prior to attending their events. Unfortunately due to the torrential rain it
did put a slight dampener on the event but everyone made a fantastic contribution
and kept up the team spirit.”
Hayley Sharp and Ed Jones agreed:
"...it was such a shame about the weather but I believe we all still really enjoyed the evebing regardless!"
“I really enjoyed it. It is great to celebrate
the talents of people with learning disabilities.”
The
physical, psychological and social benefits of participation in sport are no
secret. We will complement and consolidate
this experience with Sainsbury’s
inclusive community training on Friday 18th August 2017, exploring
creative ideas to support disable people to take part in physical activity and sport, learning
about practical tools to support inclusive delivery.
For
more information please see this link or this one or contact Debbie Crickmore.
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