SOGB Anniversary Games Day 0

The Special Olympics GB 40th Anniversary Games start tomorrow in Stirling. Today was welcome, orientation and induction for the many volunteers who will help to make the games run smoothly. Lyn is volunteering and was up at the University, where the events will mostly be held, this afternoon to get her instructions.

Followers of my journal will know that Lyn has had a long association with Special Olympics as a competitor,  an athlete leader and a volunteer.  This year is the 40th anniversary of the UK Special Olympics movement and the 50th of the worldwide organisation. The Stirling games kick off tomorrow with the opening ceremony then the competitions start in earnest. Over 1,400 athletes from all over the UK and some other European countries will compete in various sports such as
boccia (where Lyn will be a volunteer), badminton, table tennis, football, swimming, athletics, cycling, golf and netball. The sports facilities at the University are second to none so there's every chance for the athletes to shine.

There is rarely much media attention paid to Special Olympics competitions and of course there's currently a big focus on the European events in Glasgow. It's such a shame as an athlete's an athlete and an elite athlete's an elite athlete. It's great that Para sports are now so much better covered so maybe one day there'll be more serious (as opposed to embarrassingly patronising) coverage of the third Olympic family. Anyway, I expect to see something in the Stirling Observer next week!