IT WAS a special evening last Saturday at the Town Hall when Redditch Special Olympics held their annual awards celebration.
Trophies were presented by RSO’s patron local MP Karen Lumley, as well as borough Mayor Councillor Pattie Hill, Coun Joe Baker, and the leader of Redditch borough council Coun Bill Hartnett.
Participation Awards were handed out to some 30 athletes, aged from five to 50, in recognition of what they have achieved, either in training or in competitions, throughout the year while Mrs Lumley also presented her own award to one of RSO’s football teams who excelled during 2015.
“This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the year,” said Mrs Lumley. “These are people who have battled through their disabilities to show what they can really do.”
Coun Hartnett added: “This is always a great night and great start to the year and I was particularly pleased and proud to be asked to present the awards to the winners in the young athlete programme. It was a joy to see the faces of the young athletes and the parents.”
Special Olympics Redditch is an accredited branch of Special Olympics GB and is a fully voluntary operated group that provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
Spokesman Ron Daykin said: “The evening proved to be very rewarding for all athletes and volunteers as well as their families and carers who were also present.”
Anyone who is interested in joining, helping or getting to know more about Special Olympics Redditch or its Young Athletes Programme should contact Ron or Elaine Daykin, or visit www Special Olympics Redditch.org or call 01527 542831.
