On Tuesday 26th May, Special Olympics Suffolk hosted a ‘send off’ for athletes bound for the National Summer Games to wish them good luck as they prepare to compete against other athletes from across the UK.

Special Olympics Suffolk athletes prepare for summer of games – BBC News

The athletes present represented 58 athletes from Suffolk preparing to compete in the five sports that Suffolk have competing in the Games: tennis, badminton, athletics, gymnastics and boccia.

The send off celebration was generously hosted at The Hold in conjunction with the ‘Beyond Labels’ exhibition which shines a light on the lives, achievements, and challenges of people with disabilities in Suffolk, past and present Beyond Labels – Suffolk Archives. The Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr Stefan Long once again took time out of his busy schedule and spent time chatting with volunteers, coaches and athletes, wishing them good luck at the National Summer Games.

Good Luck to all athletes, coaches and volunteers who are taking part in the National Summer Games and representing Suffolk – we are so proud of you!

Special Olympics Suffolk hosted another very successful ‘Inclusive Badminton’ tournament in Ipswich recently. The event attracted 27 athletes from Special Olympics groups in Suffolk, Essex, Surrey and Kent. In addition to all of the great volunteers and family members, the day was also attended by the Mayor of Ipswich, Councillor Stefan Long. 

Chairperson Dr Allison Boggis thanked Mike McCarthy from InclusiveSport for organising such a brilliant event. She commented that the competition on court was fierce and that some great badminton skills were displayed. The atmosphere throughout the event was lively and fun – much kindness and collegiality was observed as coaches and officials supported the players to be their best.

Special Olympics Suffolk are very grateful to all of their partners for their support in hosting these events including ActivLives, Saxons Badminton, Ipswich Borough Council and Special Olympics Great Britain. 

On Saturday 25th April,  17 Orwell Panther athletes represented Special Olympics Suffolk in the first Special Olympics regional competition of the year.  They competed  against their fellow athletes from Norfolk, Worcestershire, St Albans, Hampshire, East Midlands & Cambridge .

The day was bright, sunny and beautifully warm.  Perfect conditions for good competition and amazing results.

Overall the athletes from Orwell Panthers brought home 26 Gold medals, 10 Silvers medals, 11 Bronze Medals and 19 Personal Best’s.

An amazing achievement from all concerned, and so early in the season.

Congratulations and well done to every athlete and huge thanks to all officials, volunteers, staff at the Abbeycroft Leisure Centre Bury St Edmunds and SOGB for the hard work and support in making this event such a great competition.