Paralympians’ £20,000 bicycles stolen in raid
Heartless thieves strike at athletes’ HQ
DEVASTATED athletes have hit out after thieves targeted Scotland’s Special Olympic cyclists and stole bikes worth more than £20,000. Twenty hi-tech bicycles – including £5000 tricycles – were nicked from their Glasgow training HQ. Robbers used specialist equipment to cut a hole in a shipping container at Bellahouston Park. Many of the bikes were bought by members of the successful Special Olympics Scotland West team themselves. Coach Janis Malone said: “I am absolutely gutted for the athletes.
“Being part of this is a huge thing for them every week and we provide a special space for them – where they all feel secure.
“Special Olympics receives no government funding. All events, equipment and training costs are covered by the athletes and coaches.
“The majority of them aren’t employed, they’re living on benefits.”
Four of the cyclists were selected for the World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019.
Police Scotland said: “Officers in Glasgow received reports around 12.25pm on Wednesday, October 7, of a theft at Bellahouston Sports Centre in Glasgow.
“Inquiries are ongoing.”