New project aims to bring Special Olympics to county

Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire has joined with registered charity Echo to continue the delivery of Special Olympics Herefordshire for an initial one-year pilot project.

The network will work to provide a number of local and regular opportunities for adults and young people to take part and compete in a range of sports and activities.

Echo provides day opportunities, social, leisure and work opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer at Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire said: “We are thrilled to partner with Echo Herefordshire for an initial one-year pilot project to help develop and expand Special Olympics Herefordshire.

"We are committed to raising the profile of inclusive opportunities and believe the partnership with Echo Herefordshire is the perfect fit in doing so.”

ECHO chief officer Mike Cook added: “We have been supporting people with a learning disability in Herefordshire for 30 years and I believe every one of them deserves the chance to compete in sport.

"By providing a comprehensive sports service for disabled people in Herefordshire we will also raise the profile of the disabled members of the community in the county that focuses on achievement, integration and positive messaging.

"We are honoured to be working with the team at Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Special Olympics GB to support this objective.”

Nick Baker, the newly appointed sports and inclusion manager coordinating Special Olympics Herefordshire activities, hopes to form a strong network of local sports clubs offering opportunities across a wide range of sports for people with a learning disability in the county.

He said: "Whilst all sport is beneficial, increasing mental and physical wellbeing and providing opportunities to socialise, we also want to develop the infrastructure for those who wish to take their sport to the next level and compete.”