Boccia team prepares for Special Olympics with fundraising drive
It may be a year and a half away, but Lochgilphead’s Special Olympians are already preparing for the 2021 event on Merseyside.
Perhaps the greatest challenge they will face, however, is to raise enough money to get there.
Liverpool will host the 11th Special Olympics GB Summer Games in 2021 – the biggest multi-sport tournament the city has ever staged.
Hoping to be there representing Scotland West are veteran Olympians Flora Currie, Iain MacDougall and Campbell Ferguson.
The trio were hard at work practicing their Boccia skills at Lochgilphead Resource Centre when the Advertiser popped in to see how they are doing.
John Gillies will once again provide the coaching, assisted by his wife Mary, as preparations continue for the big event.
The boccia contests are held on badminton courts, where the lines are adapted to the rules of the game. Similar to regular bowls, the object is to get your boccia closest to a target.
John said: ‘They really enjoy it and they are all doing well. We play at the Resource Centre and anyone can join in. It’s good fun.’
The Liverpool event will be held from Tuesday August 3 until Sunday August 8, 2021. More than 2,000 athletes will take part in a wide range of sports including athletics, boccia, football, gymnastics, swimming, and the motor activities training programme for people with multiple cognitive disabilities.
Special Olympics GB is a registered charity providing year-round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities – transforming the lives of thousands of people through the power of sport.
Murton Mann, Special Olympics GB chairman, said: ‘We are thrilled to be heading to Liverpool in 2021.
‘We are looking forward to the support of the people of Liverpool and businesses of the city at this very significant sporting event.
‘We are sure that the great city of Liverpool will provide a very successful and hugely memorable event for our athletes, their families, coaches and volunteers.
‘The people of Liverpool are well known for their warm embrace and love of sport. So, what better host venue for our Special Olympics GB athletes to enjoy this landmark event in the lives.
‘Liverpool is the most welcoming and inclusive city and we are proud to be heading there for our national Games.’
Beth Tweddle, Liverpool’s triple World Gymnastics Champion who has competed numerous times at the Echo Arena, said: ‘I am delighted that my home city of Liverpool has been selected to host the 2021 Special Olympics. The city has been host to so many historical sporting moments over the years and this will be another event to add to the city’s legacy. I am honoured to be involved in the event and cannot wait for the games to unfold.’
To be able to stay and compete at the Liverpool competition, Lochgilphead team members, coaches and supporters need to raise in excess of £500 each, and fundraising has already begun.
A race night will be held to help the team at Lochgilphead Masonic Lodge on Saturday February 15, starting at 7.30pm. See advert on page 18.
John Gillies added: ‘We would welcome any support from people who would like to help us with our costs to get to Liverpool and other competitions.’
To find out more, call John on 01499 500695.