Ten local athletes from Southport & Formby Special Athletes were part of a team representing the North West at the 2017 
National Special Olympics Summer Games in Sheffield. 2600 athletes with intellectual disabilities competed at the event.
The opening ceremony was held in heavy rain at Sheffield United FC’s ground, Bramall Lane, where, after the customary march in, they were entertained by Tony Hadley plus welcoming speeches by Special Olympics GB ambassadors Jim Carter of Downton Abbey fame, Suzi Perry and Chris Kamara.
Despite the very wet start the athletes’ enthusiasm wasn’t dampened as the competition began.
Between them they won 1 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze medals in 7-a-side football, badminton, boccia and table tennis.
