GRASSROOTS SPORT SHORTS
AN athlete from South Shields has been selected to represent Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games in 2023.
Nicholas Balls, a swimmer for the Special Olympics Teasdale Club (pictured right), is among the first athletes to be named in the squad for the event, to be staged for the first time in Berlin from June 17-25.
Special Olympics GB is the largest provider of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults of all abilities with intellectual disabilities in the UK.
Its team for Berlin will compete in sports ranging from athletics, swimming, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics to cycling and team sports such as basketball and unified football.
■GATESHEAD Hockey Club’s senior men’s team and ladies’ thirds claimed 1-0 victories at Morpeth.
The club holds coaching sessions at Whickham School, Burnthouse Lane, on Tuesdays from 6.15pm-7.30pm for juniors (boys and girls aged five to 13) and from 7.30pm-9pm for adults (13+). New players are welcome.
■RESULTS from week 10 of the Ashington and District Snooker League: Guidepost B 5 Guidepost A 1, Whitley Bay Comrades 3 Blyth Regent 3, Cambois 0 Blyth Conservative 6, Newbiggin Golf Club 3 Blyth Comrades 3.
Blyth Conservatives hold a two-point lead at the top of the table after these results with Blyth Regent second on 34 points.
■ELLIE Hack’s late goal earned Lewes a narrow 1-0 victory at Sunderland in the Barclays Women’s Championship.
After a goalless first half, the game appeared to be heading towards a 0-0 draw – but Hack struck in the 83rd minute to give her side their third win in as many games.
■SEAHAM powerlifter Mark
Swan says securing national success at his first awards ceremony can propel him to the Paris Paralympics.
The 21-year-old (right) was one of 10 nominees for
SportsAid’s One-to-Watch
Award, which celebrates some of the best young talent within British sport.
At a star-studded award ceremony in London, Swan capped off a memorable year which saw him win European gold and Commonwealth silver in scintillating style.
He said: “I am currently No 1 in the world rankings going into Paris 2024 so it is just about staying motivated, getting stronger and going to 2024 and hopefully getting a gold medal.”
■STAKEFORD Cherry Tree of the Standard Security Blyth and Wansbeck Sunday League progressed in the NFA Sunday Minor Cup with a 10-2 victory against Newcastle Tyneside Irish.
Cameron Elliott (4), Byren Atkinson (3), Owen Fairgrieve, Jordan Lashley and Robert Hodgson were the scorers.
Bedlington Station Social Club needed penalties to defeat The Jolly Bowman, eventually prevailing 5-4 after the match had ended 2-2 after normal and extra time.