Ravenswood residents return victorious from National Athletics Competition
18 athletes from Ravenswood, Norwood’s residential community for people with learning disabilities in Berkshire, took part in the Special Olympics 2007 National Athletics Competition in Bournemouth on 8 – 9 September. They returned victorious with 22 medals – ten gold, six silver and six bronze. There were over 300 competitors from across the country taking part in the event.
Lawrence Black won two gold medals in 50 metres and shot putt; Julian Primhak and Karl Lowe won gold in the 200 metres; Jackie Andresier, Simon Fox and Johnny Gilmour won gold in the 50 metres; Stephen Treisman won gold in shot putt and Jon Feuchtwanger won gold medal in the 200metres.
Nigel Trumper, Sports and Leisure Manager from Ravenswood , "It was a golden weekend for the twenty athletes who took part in the competition. They returned victorious with 22 medals. This is fantastic forum for people with learning disabilities to show their abilities and enjoy sport."
The athletes trained hard throughout the winter, taking part in the regional games throughout the summer, to culminate in the National Athletics Competition in Bournemouth. Many of the members of the athletics team achieved their personal bests, taking part in track events of 50 metres, 100 metres, 200 metres, 400 metres and 800 metres; and field events including shot putt, softball throw and long jump. The groups were all ability banded, competing at a high level.
For all the competing athletes, the Games represent a real triumph over adversity, as they have all worked so hard to overcome the various disabilities that affect their lives. Just some of the disabilities that the competitors from Norwood are living with include Autism, Down’s syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis and paraplegia.
The team are looking forward to going to the National Games in Leicester in 2009 which include track and field and other events including equestrian events, boccia (indoor bowls) and ten-pin bowling squads.
The last National Games was in Glasgow in 2005 and 30 adults from the Ravenswood team accounted for a quarter of the Southern Region Team. They returned with an impressive with six gold medals, ten silver and seven bronze.
Gold Medal Winners
Lawrence Black 50 metres & shot putt
Julian Primhak 200 metres
Stephen Treisman Shot putt
Jackie Andresier 50 metres
Johnny Gilmour 50 metres
Martin Weiss Softball
Simon Fox 50 metres
Jon Feuchtwanger Softball
Karl Lowe 200metres
Silver Medal Winners
Julian Primhak 100 metres
Stephen Treisman 100 metres
David Rosenberg 800 metres
Martin Weiss 50 metres
Jon Feuchtwanger 50 metres
Andrew Rammell 100 metres
Bronze Medal Winners
Rachel Goldberg Softball
Johnny Gilmour Softball
Max Rabie 400 metres & 100 metres
Peter Girvan 100 metres
Andrew Rammell 200 metres
For further information, please contact our Public Relations Manager at Norwood, on 020 8420 6900 or email pressoffice@norwood.org.uk
