Special Olympics GB is delighted to welcome five new additions to its Athlete Leadership Team (ALT), which represents the voices of around many thousands of athletes living with intellectual disabilities across Great Britain and champions an ethos of inclusion.

After successfully taking part in an interview and selection process, the new representatives are Alexander Rae from Special Olympics Grampian, Mitch Camp from Special Olympics St Albans, Peter Millar from Ellesmere Port Chester, Shain Lewis from Special Olympics Powys and James Wyatt from Derbyshire, who will join the other seven members of the Team currently in place. 

Tom Casson, business development manager (enterprise and leadership) who oversees the Athlete Leadership Team at Special Olympics GB said: “On behalf of everyone at Special Olympics GB we’d like to say huge congratulations to the new members of our ALT. We are incredibly proud of our ALT and the contributions they make to Special Olympics GB, and we are looking forward to welcoming new faces and voices to the mix.

“Special Olympics GB prides itself on the fact that our athletes sit at the very heart of Special Olympics GB and this group are fundamental to that. Not only is the ALT a great way for our athletes to develop leadership skills and showcase their talents, both on and off the field of play, but they also ensure that the voice of our athletes is heard in every decision we make as an organisation. 

“Our five new athletes are shining examples of the values which embody Special Olympics GB, and we are excited to be supporting them on their journey.”

Colin Dyer, CEO for Special Olympics GB, commented: “As someone relatively new to Special Olympics GB it’s been a real pleasure to meet the ALT and understand their role within the organisation.  When we say our athletes are at the heart of Special Olympics GB, we genuinely mean it and it’s down to the brilliance of our ALT. Huge congratulations to all our new members who are joining the ALT and we wish them all the best in their new, exciting role.”

About our new members:

Alexander Rae
Alexander’s sport is table tennis. He likes watching TV, going out and says his favourite food is chicken. Of his role in the leadership team, Alexander says he likes to work in a team. His role model is his former table tennis coach who sadly is no longer with us.

Mitch Camp
Mitch likes that his role in the leadership team will help raise awareness for the charity by putting himself out there and making a difference. His favourite sporting memory is winning gold at the World Games in LA where he “discovered nothing is impossible.” Mitch’s role model is Jessica Ennis- Hill; her winning Olympic Gold in 2012 made Mitch want to follow in her footsteps. 

Peter Millar
Peter sees his role as both being a voice for the athletes, and in being there for them if they have any concerns. Peter’s sporting highlight was playing tennis doubles with former professional tennis player Mansour Bahrami at the Royal Albert Hall to highlight Special Olympics. He likes Indian and Chinese food, and his role models are Roger Federer and Paralympian table tennis player, Will Bayley. 

Shain Lewis
Shain plays tennis and basketball and is on the leadership team to inspire athletes to be the best person they can be. Shain’s most memorable sporting moment was when he represented Great Britain at Athens in 2011 and says he will never forget how proud he was to tell the world he played tennis for Team GB. Shain has three role models, his coach Chris Hill, his mum Audrey and tennis player Rafael Nadal.

James Wyatt
James has been with Special Olympics GB for the past 10 years, representing his region in basketball, badminton, swimming, football and athletics – a real all-rounder. Now a qualified badminton coach, James says that his club has gained many new members who have been inspired by his story – which helps his leadership qualities so he can offer guidance to his club members and now, throughout the wider community of athletes. 

James won a bronze medal for badminton at the Abu Dhabi World Games in 2019.

Additional information about Special Olympics GB’s Athlete Leadership Team can be found HERE.

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