On 30th November, 14 athletes proudly represented Special Olympics Suffolk at the Lea Valley Indoor Track for the Special Olympics GB Athletics event. Two athletes made their competitive debut, adding an extra sense of excitement to the day.

The team delivered outstanding performances, achieving an impressive 12 gold, 3 silver, and 6 bronze medals across the various events. In total, eight personal bests were achieved, highlighting the athletes’ continued progress and determination.

The journey home was full of festive cheer, with Christmas tunes playing on the minibus and plenty of enthusiastic sing-alongs, rounding off the day with great team spirit.

Throughout the event, the athletes supported one another brilliantly, creating a positive and encouraging atmosphere both on and off the track. Their sportsmanship, determination, and teamwork made the day a memorable success.

A huge well done to all athletes, coaches, and supporters for a fantastic day of competition and achievement.

Special Olympics Suffolk delivery partners, ActivLives, recently hosted an Inclusive Badminton Tournamentat Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich. The event involved 24 athletes from inclusive groups in Ipswich and Wimbledon competing in singles and doubles competitions.   

Inclusive events such as this are specifically for athletes who have an intellectual (learning) disability, with this tournament being sanctioned and supported by Special Olympics GB.   

“We have said it before, but these tournaments are an absolute pleasure to be involved with. The standard of play continues to improve and, more importantly, the attitude of the players is superb – they really do reflect the very best of what sport should be about”, said Mike McCarthy, from ActivLives.

“Many thanks to the brilliant team of volunteers who made the event happen, and to our supporting partners Special Olympics Suffolk, Special Olympics GB, Suffolk Community Fund, Sport England and Ipswich Borough Council. Particular thanks to Special Olympics GB for their support and the brilliant medals, which were appreciated by all of the athletes”.

If you would like to find out more about getting involved with badminton for players with a learning disability, please call ActivLives on 01473 345350 or email mike@activlives.org.uk     

Disability History Month is observed annually from November 14 to December 14 in the UK, is a time to celebrate the achievements of disabled people, raise awareness about the social model of disability, and teach empathy and inclusion. Taking part in inclusive sporting activities helps to show that people are not disabled by their impairments, but by the physical and social barriers they face. Historically, disabled people have struggled against inequality, inaccessibility and their rights to participate have been denied.

Here at Special Olympics Suffolk, we value our athletes who are disabled, we treat them with dignity and respect. We celebrate their achievements and support them to participate in sporting activities and encourage them to adopt more healthy lifestyles by being more active.

Special Olympics Suffolk delivery partner, ActivLives, recently hosted a Boccia Leaders Course for 18 new leaders in Ipswich. The course, which is accredited by Boccia England, was supported by the Special Olympics GB Coaching Fund. The training was attended by a wide range of candidates, including new and existing volunteers, as well as local boccia players. 

“This course has been a great example of local and national providers working together to bring some much needed leadership training to Suffolk, in this most inclusive of sports”, said Mike McCarthy, Course Tutor. “We have had some brilliant feedback from participants, with some great ideas about how they can now make use of their new boccia skills and knowledge”.

If you would like to know more about boccia in Suffolk, please contact mike@activlives.org.uk or call ActivLives on 01473 345350.

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 annual Disability Waveney Open took place at the end of July, bringing together athletes from artistic gymnastics and trampolining for an unforgettable event. Over two days, 35 athletes and coaches gathered for a training camp, where they had the opportunity to hone their skills, learn new techniques, practice routines, and build lasting friendships. The camp also provided valuable networking opportunities for staff.

The event continued with a divisioning event for artistic gymnastics on the third day, followed by a full day of competition for 65 gymnasts on Sunday. Athletes from 14 different clubs, spanning locations both near and far—including Norway, Germany, Suffolk, Leicester, Lincolnshire, Worcestershire, Portsmouth, Southampton, Northampton, Essex, and Birmingham—came together for this exciting occasion.

This event is not only a significant milestone for the local area, but it also highlights the dedication and expertise of the volunteers at Waveney Gymnastics Club and Special Olympics Suffolk, who work with people with disabilities. It has a positive impact on the local economy, raises awareness of disability sport, and puts the region on the map as a destination for inclusive events.

Gymnasts competed in various levels and disciplines, showcasing their talent and determination. The atmosphere was filled with joy, excitement, and a sense of accomplishment, as athletes celebrated their successes. There were many medals earned, with plenty of jingling gymnastics awards as athletes headed home!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to several key supporters: Heveningham Hall for their generous donation supporting the judges and officials, Warren School for providing the minibus to transport athletes, coaches, and judges, Special Olympics Great Britain for their continued support and branding, and the parents of the club for their fundraising efforts.

We look forward to hosting another event like this next year!