Our athletes are truly amazing!
They are superheroes in our eyes. They are resilient, courageous, determined individuals who want to take part in sport, make friends, have some fun and be accepted into an inclusive, supportive community. They also love a good party!
And that is what Special Olympics GB offers to people with intellectual disabilities.
Our athletes are at the heart of Special Olympics GB and the best interests of our athletes are always central to every decision we make as an organisation.
To make sure this happens we are extremely proud to have an Athlete Leadership Team of seven Special Olympics GB athletes who represent the voices of our 6,500 athletes among other responsibilities. This team and their opinions are integral to all the decisions we make at National Office and always come up with creative solutions and constructive feedback to everything we run past them.
The same is also true at Board level, where athlete representation is guaranteed with Board member and double triple World Games gold medal winning cyclist Kiera Byland BEM on our Board of Trustees. Kiera follows in the footsteps of Special Olympics GB legend Greg Silvester who stepped down in 2020 after 10 years on the Board.
Special Olympics GB is a sports organisation, but we are so much more. The benefits of taking part in sport are well known, but for our athletes, being part of Special Olympics GB can transform their lives.
Sharing the stories of our athletes is at the heart of everything we do at Special Olympics GB and is a key part of our Strategic Plan - Inclusion in Action. There are no better cheerleaders to explain to people and organisations about the true meaning of inclusion and what Special Olympics GB can do for someone with intellectual disabilities. Their stories and experiences are often heart-breaking but always inspiring - often at the same time.
Take a look for yourself!