Nine Special Olympics Great Britain athletes from hockey programmes across the country recently competed overseas in an international tournament, where they won a silver medal.
The athletes, six of whom competed and won a gold medal last year at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, joined representative teams from six nations to compete in the Special Olympics Netherlands National Summer Games.
- Mudassar Arshad, Waltham Forest Hockey Club
- Reece Brackpool, Harborne Hockey Club
- Jordan Chandler, Harborne Hockey Club
- Rob Crosse, Wakefield Hockey Club
- Shane Crowe, Waltham Forest Hockey Club
- Jason Nicholls, Harborne Hockey Club
- Tom Shaw, Wakefield Hockey Club
- Oliver White, Tunbridge Wells Hockey Club
- Craig Williamson, Beacon Hockey Club
Taking place in Breda and Tillburg, Team Special Olympics GB participated in the two-day event, where they competed in Group A against teams from Netherlands, Bulgaria and Belgium. Here they progressed to the final where they were narrowly beaten by a strong Belgium team.
The journey to Breda and Tillburg is the latest step in the development of field hockey within the Special Olympics GB movement.
Field Hockey was introduced to the Special Olympics World Games last summer as an exhibition sport, with the squad assembled following a selection process that was led by England Hockey.
“It’s fantastic for our athletes to receive opportunities like this, to represent their country overseas,” said Steve Bradley, Head Coach for Team Special Olympics GB Hockey.
“Through our time last year in Berlin, we got to know some of the coaches and are keen to look at other opportunities in the future.
However, beyond the tournaments, we’re keen to expand the number of opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience hockey. We have several taster events taking place through our inclusive Flyerz programme, so do look out for announcements on these events.
Flyerz is a pan-disability hockey programme, which all members of the Team Special Olympics GB hockey squad are part of. Learn more about Flyerz in England, Scotland and Wales.
Team Special Olympics GB Results
- L 0-2 Netherlands 1 – Divisioning
- W 1-0 Ireland – Divisioning
- W 3-0 Netherlands 2 – Divisioning
- D 3-3 Bulgaria – Group A
- D 4-4 Netherlands 1 – Group A
- W 4-1 Belgium – Group A
- L 0-2 Belgium – Final