GREAT BRITAIN Celebrates Success

Music and dacing brought the 2009 Special Olympics Great Britain National Games (July 25-29) to a close as more than 3,500 celebrated in Abbey Park.  More than 2,500 athletes from 19 regions around Great Britain took part.

In total, 1,200 coaches, 1,500 volunteers and 6,000 families helped with the event.  "The week has surpaseed every expectation I had for the games," said Ted Cassidy, Chair of the organizing committee, "The athletes, their families, the volunteers, the games team and the people of Leicester have ade it a world class event."

Jessica Banks, 28, competed in Gymnastics for the East Midlands team, winning two silver medals.  Her father, Andrew, 67, said: "I am so proud of her and we'll keep supporting her as long as she wants to compete. The whole games have been fantastic.  Organizers really outdid themselves.  Thanks to them, my daughter has had such an amazing time."

Volunteers really made a phenomenal difference and without them the games would not have been able to go ahead.  Ross Willmot, Leicester City Council leader said: "It has been a fantastic week for our city.  I am very proud of Leicester and all it has accomplished."