Our National Games were held on the 25th, 26th May in preparation for competition in Athens. Due to the proximity of these World Games, we were without visitors this year but the athletes, and the rest of us, enjoyed the Games in a more personal way which we all appreciated.
The Opening Ceremony, Aquatics and Athletics kept us entertained and ended with the ever popular family BBQ.
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.
The athletics events took place at the Victoria Stadium on Wednesday 2nd June. The level of competition was of a high standard as athletes strove to be the best they could be……”Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.
Well done everyone!
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.
Football, the very mention of the name is evocative of cheers, enthusiasm, energy and passion. All of this was evident on a bright clear sunny day under the benign protection of our great grey limestone Rock. Special Olympics Gibraltar was taking part in the tenth annual Special Olympics European football week. This year ladies football was being promoted as a means to reach more people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Gibraltar Unified met Gibraltar United/Bonita Trust ladies football team on the pitch and as with other teams through the day it was heartening to see inclusion in action. The ladies played with style and skill and the Unified team had to work hard. From the Unified team I asked Special Olympics athlete Marvin Zammit if it was different playing against girls? “It was good”, he told me smiling broadly. “Did you let them win?” I asked tongue in cheek. His answer was an emphatic “NO”! Good to see equality is alive and well. read more…
Glacis United Football Club invited Special Olympic athletes to participate in a coaching session which they had organized with two top coaches from Premiership Club Bolton Wanderers. The lads took part on a chilly grey Sunday and their enthusiasm and delight lit up the drab afternoon.
