Swimmer will lap up Olympics
15-year-old is chosen for event
A Strath swimmer has been selected for the Special Olympics.
Michael Murrell from Crieff will travel to Sheffield with the Tayside Special Olympics Aquatics Team for the event this summer.
The 15- year- old has Autism and ADHD, conditions which may not be apparent on the surface but which have a huge impact on his life.
Michael said: “You might not find it obvious when you first meet me but every day I struggle with concentration, being able to start or finish tasks, organise myself or complete simple everyday jobs, but, especially I find it difficult to interact with my peers and to read their social cues.
“About a year ago, my swimming coach, put me forward to try out for the Tayside Special Olympics Aquatics Team. Off we went to Forfar for the trial day, but left with no clue if I was on the team. One month later a letter arrived – I had been selected to join the team for the Special Olympics Sheffield Games August 2017!”
For the past year, as well as training in Perth and Crieff three times a week, Michael has been attending Special Olympic training sessions in Forfar.
He continued: “Since I first qualified for the team, my classification level has risen and now I am competing at a higher level.”
Tayside Special Olympics is a registered charity that helps young people to achieve their sporting potential, and to raise money for the squad Michael has decided to organise some events, which he hopes that locals will support.
The first is on Wednesday, May 24, with a pub quiz and raffle at the Meadow Inn at 7.30pm.
The following week Michael will be taking part in a Swimathon where he will attempt to swim 120 lengths of the Strathearn Community Campus pool in one hour.
Michael is aiming to raise £ 800 and has also set up a crowd funding page at www. justgiving. com/ crowdfunding/ michaelmurrellspecial olympics 2017
The Crieff High School pupil added: “No amount is too small and any donation will be gratefully received.”
Mum and Dad, Jane and David, are proud of Michael’s achievements. Jane said: “We have a tough few months ahead before the games in Sheffield, and because of strict entry classifications Michael has to maintain his current level of ability between now and August.
“The next few weeks are ver y busy wi t h both fundraising and a competition this Saturday. It’s a tough schedule - but he is very positive.
“The generosity of local businesses providing prizes for the raffle at the quiz has been greatly appreciated with prizes still coming in - we won’t know for sure the total of prizes till the day! A big thanks to Ian and John at the Meadow Inn, Burrell Street for hosting the Pub Quiz and to Strathearn Campus for their support with the Swimathon.”
For more information on Michael’s fundraising or to donate a prize for the raffle, call Jane on 07710 355455.