Swansea athlete heads to Berlin for Special Olympics World Summer Games

An athlete from Swansea has been selected to represent Team Special Olympics GB, at the Special Olympics World Games in 2023.

John Hayes, who competes in athletics for the Special Olympics West Wales Club, is amongst the first athletes to be named in the Team SOGB squad when the 16^th Special Olympics World Games will be held in Berlin, for the first time, next summer (17 – 25 June).

Special Olympics GB is the largest provider of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults of all abilities with intellectual disabilities in the UK. Its team for Berlin 2023 will compete in sports ranging from athletics, swimming, artistic & rhythmic gymnastics, cycling and many more including team sports such as basketball and unified football. Athletes will be supported by 28 coaches and a further 22 support and medical staff.

Colin Dyer, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said: “Huge congratulations to all of our athletes who have been selected to represent Team SOGB at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin 2023.

“To represent Team SOGB as an athlete with intellectual disabilities deserves the highest praise and recognition. Given the incredibly challenging circumstances that we have encountered in recent years, winning a place in the Special Olympics World Games squad is not only an incredibly proud moment for our athletes, but for their loved ones and our fantastic team of volunteers who make Special Olympics GB happen. 

“We’re also very grateful for the backing of our partners on this journey to Berlin 2023 and are delighted that Jingle Jam, the world’s biggest charity gaming event, has chosen Special Olympics GB as one of its recognised charities this year. 

“Not only will this help raise awareness of the work we do to transform the lives of people living with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport, but it will vitally, help us to use the awareness generated by the Special Olympics World Games to reach out to more and more people with intellectual disabilities and help them get involved with the life-changing impact of Special Olympics.”

Stephen Walker, head of delegation for the Special Olympics World Summer Games, said: “Huge congratulations to all the athletes who will be representing Team SOGB at next year’s Games. 

“For our athletes making up Team SOGB, representing your country is a massive honour and we are very much looking forward to working with them all over the next few months to ensure they are ready to have the best possible time at the Games.  The Special Olympics World Games 2023 will be a celebration of inclusion, and we cannot wait to see our athletes in action doing their country proud.”

In what promises to be a colourful international festival of sport, The Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin follows on from the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019. It will be the world’s largest inclusive sporting event in 2023 with more than 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing across 26 sports over nine days.

Special Olympics GB was recently named by Jingle Jam as one of its 12 nominated charities for its gaming festival that takes place from 1 to 14 December. Since launching in 2011 by Yogscast, the event has raised more than $25 million, and all proceeds raised for Special Olympics GB in Jingle Jam 2022 will be used to help fund the athletes and coaching team attending the World Summer Games in Berlin.

To show support for Special Olympics GB and help its fundraising drive for the 2023 World Summer Games, please visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/SOGBWorldGames2023