This weekend Special Olympics will be holding its 2013 National Cycling Competition at Tameside Cycle Circuit in Ashton-Under-Lyme.
“This will be an exciting competition with most of the cyclists competing for the first time at this level,” says Tom A’Hara, Special Olympics GB, Technical Adviser for Cycling.
The event will begin with the traditional Opening Ceremony on Saturday afternoon when the 25 competing athletes will all proclaim the Special Olympics althete’s oath “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
“On Saturday evening the athletes will all be taking part in time trials,” explains Tom, “This ensures that when the competition kicks off on Sunday that our athletes, who all have intellectual disabilities, are all placed in the appropriate division to ensure meaningful competition.”
Sunday’s races will take place over distances between 500 m and 25 km. The competition is particularly important for those athletes hoping to be selected to represent Great Britain
at the Special Olympics European Games in Antwerp, Belgium in 2014. It is also a stepping stone to competing at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2014.
Competing in the event this weekend are athletes from the Isle of Man and the delegation is accompanied by Adrian Mooney, Sports Director for Special Olympics Isle of Man.
To encourage more people of all ages with intellectual disabilities to get involved in cycling Special Olympics GB has paired up with Evans Cycles. Evans Cycles is funding a three year programme to bring the fun of cycling to people of all ages with intellectual disabilities.
“Cycling is an activity that people of all ages and ability can enjoy and we are delighted that Evans Cycles is able to support the work of Special Olympics Great Britain and have the opportunity of bringing the joy of cycling to those with intellectual disabilities,” said Nick Wilkinson, CEO Evans Cycles.
For more information, contact Tom A’Hara, Special Olympics Technical Adviser, Cycling, Tel: 07734 084206