Information on Loughborough

Young people scoop eight medals!

Posted on 22/09/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council

22 September 2009

Young people scoop eight medals!

Two young people in care who landed a massive haul of medals at this year’s Special Olympics were invited to meet the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council for a celebratory evening earlier this month.  The event took place at Castle House  in Leicester.

Between them, James Wright and Bradley Folkard clinched a total of eight medals at the sporting event which was held in Leicester in July.

Thirteen-year-old James who lives in Anstey, won three Gold medals and another three Silver medals in the gymnastics competitions.

Bradley,  who is 15 and lives in Heather,  clinched two Gold medals and a Silver in equestrian events.

James said: “I was frightened in front of all those people but I felt really proud when I won."

Bradley said: “When I won my medals I felt 10 feet tall!”

Bradley's riding lessons have been funded largely by County Council grants  - these are given out to boost access to leisure facilities for children in care.

Roger Wilson, the Chairman of the County Council,  said: "To win a gold medal at the Special Olympics is a fantastic achievement for anyone but for these two young men to have won eight Gold and Silver medals between them is truly remarkable.

"I am delighted for them both and very proud of them."

Over 2,400 learning-disabled athletes took part in the 2009 Special Olympics GB Summer Games which were staged between 25th and 31st July. Held every four years, the event provides a week of Olympic-styled sports competition and involves more than 20 sports.