Suffolk badminton players Ed and Donna represented the Eastern Region and enjoyed two successful days of badminton at the University of Nottingham over the weekend.
They faced stiff competition from other regions particularly the South West, East Midlands, West Midlands and Ireland. After a challenging first day, Ed managed to achieve a respectable fourth medal place in the Men’s Singles with Donna gained a Silver medal in the Ladies Singles and Gold in the Ladies doubles event when she partnered another player from a different team.
Teams spent the evening mixing, having fun and relaxing at the disco and buffet at Derby County Football Club. A good time was had by all!
Back to business and Day Two was a tough day with Ed playing Men’s Doubles with Adrian from East Midlands (finishing 3rd) and Donna playing mixed doubles with partner Nathan also from the East Midlands, finishing first in their group.
What a great weekend! Well done Donna and Ed for rising to the challenge – you both played against tough opposition and represented Suffolk and the Eastern Region superbly. Thanks to the organisers, officials and volunteers for hosting the East Midlands event and also to Lizzie who supported both Suffolk players to enable them to take part and have such a great time!
Four Special Olympics Suffolk gymnasts ; Poppy, Hollie, Simon and Alastair and the Waveney Gymnastics Team with their coaches recently visited Norway to compete at the Norway International Friendship Competition.
It was a fabulous trip with Suffolk gymnasts doing us proud!
Thanks to Ellen, the coaching team, volunteers and supporters.
Special Olympics Suffolk delivery partner, ActivLives, celebrated ‘National Boccia Day’ in style with a Boccia Festival held at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich on 26th September. Sixty-six players participated, with the brilliant support of staff and volunteers. In addition to the many individual players there were participating groups from Avenues East Ipswich, Leading Lives Stowmarket, Suffolk Rural College, Suffolk One and Papworth Trust. The event was particularly targeted at players with an intellectual and/or physical disability. No previous boccia experience was required to get involved.
The day started with four groups taking part in skills challenges. Team challenges were the main theme throughout the day. There was also an individual “Control the Roll” challenge in the afternoon.
Feedback from the players has been brilliant with comments such as:
“I hope to do this again next year – Happy National Boccia Day to all”. “I love it that all ages and abilities come together to enjoy boccia”.
“Fabulous – so inclusive, we feel very happy to be part of it”. “A very welcoming and friendly day. Lots of different games – we loved it!”
ActivLives would like to thank all of their partner organisations for their support with this event, particularly Special Olympics GB (everyone loved the great SOGB medals!), Special Olympics Suffolk, Boccia England and the Suffolk Community Foundation.
If you are interested in finding out more about boccia with ActivLives and how to get involved, email mike@activlives.org.uk or call the ActivLives office on 01473 345350
The Board of Trustees of Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) has approved plans to stage a newly structured National Summer Games in 2026, which could provide competition opportunities for around 1,700 children and adults with an intellectual disability.
– Multi-sport (four-five days) event held at a single cluster of venues/location, prioritising Special Olympics GB’s most popular participation sports:
* Competitions may be expanded versions of current national single-sport events
Special Olympics GB’s National Office team is now working with multiple venues, local stakeholders, and partners to identify the most appropriate location and dates for the multi-sport event.
“The National Summer Games has been an important topic of interest among our membership since our return to competition in 2022, following the pandemic,” said Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB. “We recognise the passion of our membership for this event so we undertook an extensive consultation process, which the vast majority of accredited clubs engaged with. We’ve listened hard to their feedback and ambitions for this event and are delighted to now have a concept to take forward.
“Not only does this hybrid approach provide competitive sporting opportunities for a significant number of our registered athletes, but it is also consistent with the financial sustainability of our movement.
“The world has changed a lot since our last major National Summer Games, in Sheffield in 2017, and it is imperative that we consider the increased cost of living and the reduced amount of external funding that we can access. Borrowing or taking financial risks on behalf of Special Olympics GB is not something we can consider.
However, we believe that this model can change the lives of many people with an intellectual disability, giving them an opportunity to meet fellow athletes from around the country, make new friends and be part of an event that celebrates their participation. It will also provide a pathway for our athletes to qualify for selection for the 2027 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile.By Laura Baxter MBE
“We have already held very positive discussions with venues and potential partners regarding our primary multi-sport event. Discussions are also continuing with our National Sports Advisors, who have played an integral part in this process, regarding the additional single-sport competitions to be staged over the summer.”
Further details on the date and location of the 2026 National Summer Games will be confirmed in winter 2025/26. In the meantime, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
Special Olympics Suffolk 