Orwell Panthers Athletics Club

SOGB link, spot the OP

www.facebook.com

Special Olympics on the BBC

Special Olympics Sets Sights To Go Bigger Across seven sports, the Special Olympics brought together hundreds of athletes, all with intellectual and learning disabilities.

Day One SOGB National Games

Following the heats on day one all of the Orwell Panthers athletes representing Suffolk have qualified for the semi-finals on day two.

Day one brought a generally fine day, which occasionally decided to drop large amounts of rain very quickly onto the athletes on the track.

A number of the athletes won their heats both on the track and field events, with many others doing enough to qualify for the semi finals.

We are very proud of everyone and their achievements.

Day One of Competition.

Today is the first day of competition and Orwell Panthers wishes all their athletes, and all of the competitors the best of luck today in their events.

Good Luck.

Win, but if you cannot win be brave in the attempt.

OP

Special Olympics national games on the BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy22lgn5gpo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj064nz939yo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/l0058s9m/athletes-descend-on-birmingham-for-special-olympics

Athletes Descend on Birmingham for Special Olympics It's taking place for the first time since 2017, and offers athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete across several sports.

Special Olympics Great Britain

Links to their page and opening ceremony, you might recognise a face or two

https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsGB/

Special Olympics Great Britain We provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for all people with intellectual (learning) disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales

The day has finally arrived.

Yesterday was the opening ceremony and what an evening to remember.

It had been wet all day, but that did not dampen the spirits. The athletes from Orwell Panthers, Special Olympics Suffolk and the whole country had gathered to celebrate sport for those with special needs. The first national games since 2017.

The rain managed to hold off for the ceremony, and as the athletes walked into the arena to a rapturous noise and applause.

The evening concluded with a song from rapper Aitch.

Birmingham are you ready?

Special Olympics GB are you ready?

Because the Orwell Panthers athlete's representing Suffolk are coming.

We are finally here, today is the day. It has been 9 long years since the last National Games. The build up is over, the hard work and training are done.

5 days of competition await.

We are coming to win. We are going to run, jump and throw to the best of our ability. We are aiming for Gold.

Let's cheer each other on, let's get behind the team, let's make the most of this opportunity, let's enjoy the moment.

Go Orwell Panthers, Go Special Olympians Suffolk.

Fantastic BBC article on the state of Athletics in the UK. Something that will resound with many in Ipswich.

Lack of coaches and track damage leave Wolverhampton athletics club struggling The club says it cannot cope with interest in the sport after the European Athletics Championships.

No Training

Just a reminder that there is no training this Wednesday 26th August as coaches and athletes are at the SOGB National Summer Games.

Normal service will resume on 2nd September.