Dear Athletes, family members, volunteers and coaches,
It is that time of the year again that we proudly join to participate in the 28th Special Olympics Gibraltar National Games. I have listed below times and dates so that we do not get it wrong. Also some information which I am sure is going to be helpful as to communication.
Saccone and Speed sponsored a welcome Home Reception for the athletes returning from the World Games in Greece., on 3rd August, at the Customs Clubhouse.. It was well attended but all of our generous sponsors were unable to attend. Special Olympics Gibraltar, on behalf of the athletes thank everyone, who helped make this trip possible, helping to promote inclusion and acceptance in our society.
Team Gibraltar flew out on Saturday morning, 18th June on their excited and happy way to the World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. A 40 strong contingent, the highest number ever to attend Games were sent on their way by the Minister for Sports and Leisure, the Hon Edwin Reyes. Gibraltar’s participation at these Games will be a special and proud moment for our Athletes families and friends, and this in reality means everyone back home on the Rock.
The Victoria Stadium rang to cheers as the football tournament was fought with vigour and enthusiasm between teams from Barbate, (Spain), Iceland and Isle of Man.
This always provides much needed competition for our athletes who took part in the spirit of friendship.
The swimming events were as usual quite exciting and took place with family support in the Gibraltar Sports and Leisure Authority swimming pool. Our athletes acquitted themselves admirably against competition from Isle of Man and Iceland.
An intrepid band of Special Olympics Gibraltar supporters, accompanied by some athletes gathered on the mild Boxing Day morning (2010) to brave the cold waters off Catalan Bay to raise funds and awareness for the local programme.
As usual a large crowd cheered on the swimmers brave enough or daft enough to plunge the cold waters but the ambience was warm with support and a fun filled morning was enjoyed by all.
FUN AT THE FAMILIES BBQ.
The BBQ held in the gardens of the Mount on Thursday 3rd June, a balmy summers evening, was well attended. Athletes, who included all those visiting from the Isle of Man and Iceland, and families celebrated together in what became a most enjoyable evening.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS GIBRALTAR CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY.
The Rocks historic St. Michaels Cave was the imposing venue for the ceremonial opening of the 25th Anniversary Games which took place on Tuesday 1st June 2010.
The cave was packed with families and well wishers as the band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment got the evening off to a rousing start.
The colourful variety show featuring singers and dancers was lively and entertaining and a great time was had by all.
Those taking part, and all volunteered their services, were;
The finale was the traditional singing of the Albert Hammond hit, “One Moment in Time” led by Melissa Hales and the whole cave united in the joy which the evening had generated.
Special olympics gibraltar seven aside football team were invited by special olympicd catalyuna to their 5th tournament in which they had participated two years ago.
They came second in the tournament, beaten one goal by catalyuna. Marvin zammit was awarded best goalkeeper of the tournament. The team enjoyed their trip which was sponsored by the law enforcement torch run.
Special Olympics Gibraltar participated in the Isle of Man National games in 5 sports. Participating countries were Ireland, Great Britain, Malta, Isle of Man and Gibraltar from 9th-11th August, 2010.
The team arrived on the island in extremely bad weather making it a change from the heat in Gibraltar. For the football team though these adverse conditions were unwelcome since at the last minute IOM had had to change the venue of the 5 a side competition to an outdoor, high grass and sludgy pitch. It was constantly raining and our players found themselves slipping and sliding everywhere. A new, and it has to be said, a good experience for them.
