A Talented Beverley gymnast is Athens bound after earning selection for her sport’s biggest world event.
Mary Nolan, 18 and a member of the Special Olympics City of Hull gymnastics and swimming club, will join 13 other gymnasts in the 215 athlete squad for the Special Olympics World Summer Games, which run from June 25 to July 4 next year.
It’s reward for more than a decade of achievement at regional and national level in gymnastics and swimming for Mary, and she’s rightly proud of her efforts.
She said: “I’m really excited and chuffed.
“When I first got the letter I thought ‘whoa’ and then it gradually sunk in and I thought ‘wow’!
“My parents are really proud and I think it will be a good experience for me.”
But there’s plenty for Mary to look forward to before Athens.
In May she is in Luxembourg to compete in the Special Olympics European Gymnastics Tournament, before going to Denmark with British Gymnastics in July.
It’s the latest success for City of Hull, having had at least one of their athletes selected for each of the past four World Summer Games.
Group secretary Judy Burdass said: “We’re proud of ourselves because we’re all volunteers. It’s very rewarding and has opened lots of doors for people.
“Our athletes achieve at their own levels and often go on to great things.”
Anyone with a learning disability who wants to get involved can call the group on 01482 871349, or email j.burdass@virgin.net or janet@nolan5.karoo.co.uk. Annual membership costs just £5 and swimming sessions cost £1.50.
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organisation for people with learning disabilities, providing year-round sports training and competitions for people aged eight and over. For more information, visit www.specialolympics.org.
