Special Olympics GB National Summer Games brings inclusive sport to Birmingham
Alexander Stadium welcomed athletes from across Great Britain as part of the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games, which culminated in Birmingham with a four-day multi-sport event across August’s Bank Holiday weekend.
More than 1,200 children and adults with an intellectual disability competed across Special Olympics GB’s overall 21-day, 15-sport, National Summer Games programme, which concluded in Birmingham with competitions at Alexander Stadium and Wyndley Leisure Centre Campuses.
Gary Tempest, General Manager of Alexander Stadium, said:
“Hosting the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games in Birmingham was a real privilege, and it was fantastic to see our venues come alive with athletes, families, volunteers and supporters.
“The Games have shown just how powerful sport can be in bringing people together and creating opportunities for everyone. The Special Olympics finishes a fantastic summer for us and we’re proud to support Special Olympics GB and its athletes.”
The Birmingham event officially opened with a special ceremony at Alexander Stadium, featuring a parade of athletes representing 57 clubs from across England, Scotland and Wales, alongside the arrival of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope.
The ceremony also featured a performance from inclusive dance group Dance Warriors, while BRIT Award-winning rapper Aitch took to the stage to entertain athletes, families and supporters and help launch the event in style.
Laura Davies, Head of Competition and Events at Special Olympics GB, said:
“Our National Summer Games multi-sport event was an incredible opportunity to bring our athletes, families, volunteers and supporters together, to celebrate everything that people with intellectual disabilities can achieve when they are given the opportunity to participate, compete and belong.
“We’re incredibly grateful to BCLT for its support and to the Serco Foundation for its donation and the commitment of its volunteers. The Birmingham venues provided a fantastic setting for our athletes and helped us create a memorable experience for everyone involved.”
The National Summer Games form part of Special Olympics GB’s mission to use sport to create a world where people with an intellectual disability are seen, valued and taken seriously. Across England, Scotland and Wales it has a network of more than 100 grassroots sports clubs that are providing regular opportunities for its athletes to train and compete.