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Medal haul for Bradford Special Olympians celebrated with civic reception

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Abid Hussain will be holding a Civic Reception for a triumphant team of Special Olympic Athletes who recently returned home from the 2017 Special Olympics in Sheffield.

The team of over 60 athletes and coaches from Bradford who formed part of the Yorkshire and Humberside squad competing at the event will be welcomed in to Bradford City Hall on Wednesday 16 August.

The team returned triumphant after winning over 50 medals at the 2017 Special Olympics National Summer Games in Sheffield.

The Bradford athletes came home with 12 gold, 11 silver and 28 bronze medals from the showcase event at Sheffield United’s Bramhall Lane Stadium.

More than 2,600 competitors from regions across the UK took part across 20 sports, with Bradford’s athletes competing in aquatics, athletics, basketball, indoor bowls, cycling, equestrian, football, golf powerlifting and ten pin bowling.

Over £25,000 was raised by Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL) to send the team to the games.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Abid Hussain, said: “When I waved the athletes off on their way to compete at the Special Olympics last week, I knew that they would do Bradford proud and they have done more than that. Each and every one of them has shown just what can be achieved and I am pleased to be able to honour them and welcome them home with a civic reception in City Hall.

Dean Carroll, BDSL Manager, said "All the athletes from the Bradford delegation represented their region and the city of Bradford with pride. The atmosphere at the games from the wet but marvellous opening ceremony to the closing party disco was out of this world and something we will never forget. The athletes showed us all just what can be achieved with a little hard work and dedication."

Hilary White, BDSL Chairperson, said "I am very proud of each of our athletes in all the 10 sports that they competed in. I would like to thank all the volunteers, coaches and staff for all their hard work not just at the games but week in week out across all of our clubs throughout the district. I would also like to thank all our sponsors and in particular Bradford Council for their continued support – now to the World Games in 2019."

The team are looking forward to March 2019 where a Special Olympic GB Squad will be competing in the World Special Olympic games which will take place in Abu Dhabi, United Emirates. BDSL will be looking to send a number of its athletes and coaches to form part of that team.

Medal Breakdown (Bradford athletes from Yorkshire and Humberside regional team)