Sports Day for people with learning disabilities

Saturday 24 September 2011
David Lloyd, Hull Road, York
Special Olympics City of York is holding an Open Day for people with learning disabilities, in partnership with City of York Council.

The event will take place on Saturday 24 September from 2pm to 4.30pm at David Lloyd, Hull Road, York. During the afternoon there will be an opportunity for children and adults to try a number of different sports including athletics, football, tennis, new age kurling, bowls and boccia.

The event is free and will give the opportunity for participants to find out more about the Special Olympics and to try out new and exciting sports. A number of local sports clubs who welcome people with learning disabilities will be delivering the opportunities.

The Special Olympics Great Britain organisation was set up in 1978 and fosters year-round community sport at all levels for those with learning disabilities. There are currently 135 Special Olympics clubs in Great Britain, run by over 2800 volunteers and involving 8000 athletes.

As well as sport for fun, fitness and friendship, Special Olympics City of York offers athletes training and development, coaching and can even help financially with the costs involved in taking part in competitions.

Rob Tyas, City of York Council’s Disability Sport and Physical Activity Officer said: “Last year, two York athletes represented Great Britain at the European Summer Games in Warsaw. One athlete received a gold and silver and the other a silver and a bronze in tennis and athletics respectively, but there’s no reason why we can’t have many more champions next time!”

For further information please contact event organisers Dan Walker on 07815 728945 or email City of York Council’s Disability Sport and Physical Activity Officer rob.tyas@york.gov.uk