My son won gold - thanks to NHS
Alistairscoopsthreemedals atthespecialolympics
A Hamilton dad has praised the NHS for giving his son the confidence that led to him winning three gold medals at the Special Olympics in Sheffield last weekend.
Robert Graham from Burnbank says the work that occupational therapy workers did with his son Alistair (14) has been incredible, and that, coupled with Royal Albert’s Clydesdale Colts Cycling Club and the Special Olympics themselves have worked wonders.
Alistair, who attends Sanderson High in East Kilbride, won gold medals in the A3 10k final in 19 mins 40 secs, the CY Cycling 15k road race final and the J3 5k time trial in a time of 10 mins 18 secs.
And while it’s not a certainty, Alistair’s success may land him a place at the World Summer Special Olympic Games in Abu-dhabi next year.
Delighted dad Robert said: “There are lots of children who aren’t getting these opportunities.
“When you go it’s a really humbling experience, there are a lot of kids with disabilities that are worse than Alistair’s.
“Alistair has intellectual impairment, learning difficulties, but the Special Olympics allows him to be in these competitions.
“Alistair started cycling at five. We got occupational therapy to help with his balance and co-ordination, because he has disabilities.
“They asked what I wanted to happen and I said I’d like him to be able to ride a bike, because every wee boy should be able to do that.
“They did that with him for months, the NHS taught Alistair how to ride a bike.
“He has been with Clydesdale Colts since he was nine, and was introduced to the Special Olympics stuff, and now he has three gold medals.
“It’s incredible that he has won three medals – as a parent it’s everything you could wish for.
“It struck me as I was heading home from Sheffield that none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the NHS, Special Olympics and Clydesdale Colts.
“The NHS gets a bad rap, but if it wasn’t for them Alistair wouldn’t be where he is, and in a position of good confidence and self-esteem, and this is something that he gets such a good charge out of.”
Robert was delighted with Alistair’s results in Sheffield and hopes it’s the start of many accolades.
He said: “Alistair was in Manchester for a cycling meet last year and won a gold and a silver, but this was the big one; Sheffield 2017 was all the sports, and it’s the tail-end of the season, so this is what he was aiming for.
“He may go to Abu-dhabi in 2019 for the World Games, which is a dream of his.
“That’s amazing for these kids, who can have really complex problems, but get to go on these trips.”
When you go it’s a really humbling experience