‘Come and try’ Special Olympics event set for Chesterfield

Special Olympics Derbyshire is hosting a ‘come and try’ event at Queen’s Park Sports Centre in Chesterfield for people with learning disabilities.

The event on Sunday July 31 welcomes participants, along with their families, friends and carers, to have a go at basketball, boccia, golf and football – all for free.

Information will be on hand so that people can find out where and when they can play a range of different sports in their local area, as well as opportunities further afield in Derbyshire.

The Special Olympics movement is worldwide and provides people with learning disabilities the opportunity to train on a regular basis and compete at a county, regional, national and even international level.

Special Olympics athlete, Matthew Dalley, from Alvaston, is encouraging others to take part in the event:-

“I would like to see more people giving it a go. It is a great opportunity to see what Special Olympics is all about and we are excited to see you there.

“I have represented Special Olympics East Midlands Equestrian for two of the Special Olympics Great Britain National Games; I won two golds and a silver Medal in 2013, which is one of my greatest achievements.”

Jacob Meaton, Special Olympics Derbyshire Basketball coach, is also looking forward to the event. He said:-

“It is the perfect opportunity for anyone to come and try a number of sports and find out about opportunities to play, officiate, coach, volunteer, or support Special Olympic Sport.”

During the summer of 2017, Special Olympics Great Britain are holding the National Games in nearby Sheffield, at which athletes from across the country, including Derbyshire, will compete in the largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.