The 40th Anniversary Games are coming to Stirling this summer and will celebrate both Special Olympics GB’s 40th birthday and also the 50th birthday of the worldwide Special Olympics movement. They kick-off on August 9, lasting until August 13. This is a great boost for the Stirling economy as the games will attract around 1000 athletes, 400 coaches and officials, 400 volunteers supported by 5000 family members and spectators from across the UK and Europe.
What I really like about this event is the ethos of the games. They have a really inspiring hashtag in #Beboldbekindbeawesome – Be bold, be kind, be awesome! Another amazing thing is that the primary focus will be to play unified sport through joint participation in most of the sports. This is aimed to promote and develop long-lasting relationships between disabled and non-disabled athletes as well as breaking down any barriers that may still exist. What a great way to challenge young people’s perceptions and attitudes towards other young people with intellectual (learning) disabilities and assist in making real inroads towards creating a more unified society.
One of the sports that will be showcased is Boccia, which is a precision ball sport related to bowls and pétanque, and played by athletes with severe physical disabilities. It is in fact a Paralympic sport and is practised in more than 50 countries worldwide.
As in all big tournaments there will be winners and losers. However, the spirit of “fair-play” that will be adopted will, I think, be a lesson to many other sports, who perhaps have forgotten their way, just a little.
It is a summer of sport for everyone – we also have the newly created 2018 European Championships, shared between Scotland and Germany. It begins on August 2 with Aquatics, Cycling, Golf, Gymnastics, Rowing and Triathlon taking place in this country.
We Scots are spoiled for choice this summer, and if we can hold on to this good weather till August (some hope), what a great way to spend your day. Tickets are still available for both events.
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