30.09.2015
MSPs are to pay tribute to the Scottish athletes and coaches who competed for Team GB at this year’s Special Olympics World Games 2015, in Los Angeles.
The event, co-hosted the Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Tricia Marwick MSP and the Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP will take place this evening (Wednesday) in the Scottish Parliament.
The Presiding Officer said:
“It will be our pleasure to welcome our medal-winning athletes and coaches to Holyrood and to celebrate their success from the summer games.
“These games give our athletes fantastic on-going opportunities to develop their skills and physical fitness, plus a chance to demonstrate courage, experience joy and to participate alongside other Special Olympians on a world stage.”
Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, Jamie Hepburn MSP said:
“I’m looking forward to meeting these great athletes who put in such fantastic performances for Team GB in Los Angeles. They should all be proud of their achievements. I hope that their example will inspire many more people with intellectual disabilities to take part in sport, and enjoy all the benefits it can bring.”
Background information
Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating with Summer and Winter Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games opened on 25 July in Los Angeles, California and featured competitions in aquatics, gymnastics, track and field, basketball, football and many other summer sports involving 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world representing 165 countries. The Scottish team brought home 23 gold, 30 silver and 20 bronze medals.
Wednesday evening’s reception will be held in Holyrood’s Main Hall. Media access can be arranged by contacting Murray Meikle. Photographs will be available from the Parliament’s official photographer Andrew Cowan and from Facebook.