Special Olympians from Ravenswood, Norwood’s residential community for adults with learning disabilities, returned home from a regional competition in Eastbourne on Sunday with an impressive haul of 20 medals. A group of 20 residents battled strong winds to win four golds, five silvers and nine bronzes in athletic events ranging from 50m to 800m on the track and long jump and shot put in the field.
Julian Primhak in the 4x100 relay
Residents from Ravenswood and other Norwood services regularly participate in Special Olympics competitions and other sporting challenges as part of the charity’s extensive multi-sport and leisure programme. Through such events, they are able to learn new skills and, in turn, this helps to improve their confidence and self-esteem. Nigel Trumper, Sport and Leisure Coordinator at Ravenswood, in Berkshire, said he was very pleased with the result at Sunday’s meeting organised by the Special Olympics Southern Region, especially considering the adverse weather conditions.
“The wind speed was unbelievable but, despite this, our athletes persevered and did incredibly well, and always with a smile on their faces,” he said. “I was particularly impressed with the guys who took part in the 4x100 relay. It wasn’t our regular team but they performed brilliantly and came away with a bronze medal. Everyone fully deserved the fish and chips we had on the seafront afterwards!”
