Civic celebration for two Special Olympians
Reception for athletes
Two Stirling Special Olympians have been honoured with a civic reception by Stirling Council.
Provost Christine Simpson welcomed Andrew Stuart and Leanne Peters to the council headquarters on the back of their success at this year’s event.
Nineteen-year-old Andrew from Dunblane secured gold in the level five golf individual stroke play at the Special Olympics World Games, held in the United Arab Emirates in March.
And cyclist Leanne Peters, 34, from Strathblane, took home silver in the 10k time trial, as well as coming fifth in the 5K time trial and sixth in the 5k road race.
The athletes were joined by their families at Old Viewforth recently when they met the provost and councillors. They shared some stories from the global sporting spectacle, as well as showing off their medals.
More than 7000 athletes from 170 countries took part in the games in Abu Dhabi. The games were the first Special Olympics to take place in the Middle East / North Africa region.
Andrew, who is currently studying for a National Certificate in professional golf at Scotland’s Rural College’s Elmwood campus in Fife, regularly practices at both Dunblane and Bridge of Allan Golf Clubs, while Leanne trains in Glasgow.
Provost Simpson said: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome two inspirational athletes in Andrew and Leanne, along with their families, to Old Viewforth.
“To have claimed medals on the global stage and beat off such stiff competition is a remarkable achievement.”
“From hearing their stories of the Games, it was an unforgettable experience and one they will always cherish.
“As a council, we are hugely proud of Andrew and Leanne, and hopefully their success inspires others from across Stirling with a learning disability to follow in their footsteps and get involved in sport and physical activity.”