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British Athletes triumphant return from China!

SOGB Ambassador David James with Football - 5 Athletes

Learning disabled athletes representing Great Britain at the largest disability sports event in the world this year – the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games - returned home today with a total of 224 medals. Following a successful two weeks in Shanghai, the elated athletes flew into Heathrow this afternoon carrying 84 gold, 83, silver and 57 bronze medals.

159 athletes representing Great Britain competed against Special Olympics athletes from all over the world. In total, 7,200 athletes from 165 countries competed at the Games in Shanghai which took place from 2-11 October 2007. 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials and thousands of families, spectators and journalists from every continent participated in the event.

The games commenced on the 2nd of October with a spectacular opening ceremony in front of 80,000 spectators, world leaders and global celebrities. It included a lavish firework display as well as around 6000 dancers, drummers and artists performing and reflecting the games' motto of 'I Know I Can', on the two main stages, located on both sides of the vast Shanghai Stadium.

Spectacular Opening Ceremony

British athletes commenced competition on the 4th of October. The next eight days brought many unforgettable highlights including the arrival of Typhoon Korsa! The Great Britain team however, created a storm of their own; overcoming high winds, torrential rains and mud, our footballers took to the field with a tide of enthusiasm which swept them to victory in the most horrendous conditions they had ever played in, whilst our powerlifters powered through the day winning 13 medals and the Rhythmic Gymnastics Team were the big winners of the day with a combined 19 medals.

“I am immensely proud of our athletes achievement at the World Games,” said Lawrie McMenemy, SOGB Chairman, “they have showcased their abilities and talents on a world stage, proving that they deserve just as many accolades as other world-class athletes.”

England and Portsmouth FC goalkeeper David James said “What a fantastic achievement by our athletes. Everyone associated with the whole Special Olympics movement should be very proud. We have to ensure we build on this success and increase access and participation, attract more coaches and make sure that everyone can enjoy sport at whatever level. The victory for the men and women’s football teams is especially welcome.”

Messages of support and congratulations have been received from well wishers including the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe MP and from the organisation’s Ambassadors and Sponsors.