Chairman:
Len Richardson
Tel: 01357 520553

Secretary:
Carole McKechnie
Tel: 01355 909149

The Special Olympics

Special Olympics

The Special Olympics is an international movement providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for sports people with disabilities or special needs.

In 2001, the Scotland West Team, a total of 253 athletes and coaches, made their way to Cardiff for the Special Olympics National Summer Games. They competed in 19 official sports including Swimming, Football, Basketball, Gymnastics, Table Tennis, Bowls, Power Lifting and Golf.

Mark Richardson, a member of the East Kilbride Youth Disability Sports Club, who won a silver medal earlier in the year at the Special Olympics UK Golf Championship, qualified for the Scotland West Team and took part in the Cardiff Games - the largest sporting event to take place in Cardiff for athletes with special needs.

Mark Richardson, medal winner

Twenty one year-old Mark, a former pupil of Sanderson High School and member of Strathaven Golf Club, together with Club members Ross McQuilkin, Stephen McEwan and Jonathan Mackie take part in regular training sessions organised by the Scotland West Team Golf Coach.

Apart from winning medals and achievement awards, the athletes and the huge contingent of volunteers, parents and carers enjoyed a great week of competition, fun and experience of a Special Olympic Games. The Special Olympics is unique - fostering a true Olympic spirit, the thrill of taking part, the joy of winning!

"Let me win, but if I cannot win,
let me be brave in the attempt" - The Special Olympic Oath

We look forward to the next Special Olympic Games. Keep up with regular training - you could be there!

Lochgoilhead Centre

The Lochgoilhead Centre, located in the mountains surrounding Loch Goil near Glasgow, as a venue for Residential Activity Courses suitable for our special needs members. The Centre is registered with the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and offers activities such as Archery, Abseiling, Trail Orienteering, Sailing, Climbing and Hill Walking. Specially trained staff and supervision is provided and 2-4 night fully residential Adventure Activity Courses are offered. The Centre particularly welcomes disabled and special needs groups as well as students and other groups involved with higher education and recreation.

The accommodation comprises 16 and 12 Bed Lodges with integral rooms for group leaders, together with extensive dining and catering facilities. Full activity programmes are scheduled during the daytime and games, treasure hunts and disco's etc. round off the evenings.

Last year a group of our members, led by Len Richardson and John McVicar, had a marvellous weekend at the Centre. The activities provide a unique opportunity for personal development, self confidence, self reliance and most of all, the important aspect of integration with other groups and leaders at the Centre.

Money, the life-blood of East Kilbride Youth Disability Sports Club, is required for this type of ambitious project. We need to generate the funds now! If you can help by way of sponsorship or just a simple donation, our volunteers will make it happen!! Contact us now!

Sports Festivals

East Kilbride Disability Sports Club, in association with South Lanarkshire Disability Sport, supports the work of Scottish Disability Sport - the governing body in Scotland. Each year we participate in a Sports Festival Programme specially organised to highlight the opportunities available for young people with disabilities/special needs and to attract new members to our Club.

Many exciting sports and recreational activities are featured including:-

• Ski Lessons: Bellahouston Dry Ski Centre
• Fun Swimming: Hamilton Water Palace
• Nu Age Curling: Stonelaw Sports Centre
• Golf Coaching: Clydeway driving Range
• Archery Coaching: Universal Connections, East Kilbride
• Ten Pin Bowling: Pro Lane Bowl, East Kilbride