Paris 2024-bound swimmer Matt Richards is supporting the nation’s biggest provider of sports training and competition for people with an intellectual disability by becoming a Swimming Ambassador for Special Olympics Great Britain.

Welsh swimmer Richards, who won the 200m freestyle at the 2023 World Championships and Olympic gold in the 4x200m freestyle relay at Tokyo 2020, could compete in six events at the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris, after winning both the 100m and 200m freestyle at the recent Aquatics GB Swimming Championships at the London Aquatics Centre.

As Swimming Ambassador for Special Olympics GB, he will promote the charity’s work in using the power of sport to transform the lives of children and adults with an intellectual disability.

Matt Richards said: “I’m delighted to be an ambassador for Special Olympics GB. I want to help grow swimming and make it accessible and inclusive for all.

“I hope to pass on some of my training and competition knowledge and inspire the next generation. There are some incredibly inspiring young people involved in Special Olympics GB and I cannot wait to help share their stories and watch them achieve their dreams in sports.”
By Matt Richards

Special Olympics GB supports more than 6,600 people with an intellectual disability across England, Scotland and Wales. Each week, its athletes participate in sporting opportunities at 98 clubs, which are delivered by a devoted team of more than 3,800 volunteers.

“Swimming is such a prominent sport within the Special Olympics GB movement," said Chief Executive Laura Baxter MBE. “More than a third of our clubs provide regular aquatics opportunities for our athletes, whilst our regional galas often have more athletes participating than any other events in the competition calendar.

“Having Matt, as an Olympic, World and British gold medallist championing our work is a fantastic boost to the charity as we look to grow and support even more people with an intellectual disability, through sport.

“Matt shows such incredible passion and commitment to being the best in his sport and I know that our athletes, clubs and supporters will all be behind him as he bids for gold in Paris this summer. We’re delighted to welcome him to the Special Olympics GB family.”