Athletes assemble for Special Olympics Anniversary Games

More than 1400 athletes from across Europe will converge on campus this weekend as they get set to compete in the Special Olympics GB Anniversary Games.

Hosted by Special Olympics Scotland, the Games (9 – 13 August 2018) will celebrate 40 years of competition and training for athletes with intellectual (learning) disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales.

The event will also mark the 50^th anniversary of the global Special Olympics movement which was set up in 1968 by President JFK’s sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

With more than 2000 spectators expected over the weekend, athletes will be putting in their top performances as they compete across ten sports including  boccia, badminton, indoor bowls, cycling, football, golf, table tennis, swimming, MATP and athletics.

All sporting events are free to attend and will run from Friday 10 – Sunday 12 August at the University Sports Centre, except for golf and indoor bowls which are being held at Callandar Golf Club and Stirling Indoor Bowls Centre respectively. 

Chris Hull, of Special Olympics GB, said: “We are thrilled that Stirling and its University’s excellent facilities will be hosting our very special Anniversary Games. This will not only celebrate our 40th anniversary in Great Britain and 50 years of Special Olympics worldwide but also give over a thousand Special Olympics athletes the chance to compete in a prestigious Games and make new friends and memories.”

University of Stirling Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and privileged to be hosting such an important event and there has been a real buzz around the campus in anticipation of the weekend’s action.

“The effort and contribution of the Special Olympics volunteers is vital to the delivery of the Games, and the lengths they have gone to making it a memorable experience for the athletes and their families is greatly inspiring.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, families and spectators to the University for what will be a great weekend and we wish all participants the very best in their respective events.”