Mainland Challenge Conquered: A Triumphant Day for Our Athletes in Waterlooville!
A Day to Remember: Special Olympics Team Shines on the Mainland
On Saturday 22ND March, our Special Olympians from Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight team travelled to the mainland to compete against South East Hampshire , and what an incredible day it turned out to be!
Representing us with delight and determination were:
Gina Wyatt (coach) – Sarah Beane – Summer Wyatt – Anna Rosa Crettella – Ella King-Smith – Thomas Pitt – William Bennett – Beki Jude – Fleur Foster
Every single athlete delivered an outstanding performance, with each competitor earning at least three medals—a phenomenal achievement for our first competition of the year! Beyond the impressive medal haul, what stood out most was the sheer effort and dedication shown by every member of the team. Some athletes continued to push their own limits, improving their distances in the standing long jump and foam javelin with every round. Their perseverance and passion were truly inspiring.
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of Ryde School with Upper Chine, whose loan of the minibus ensured we could travel and compete. Without their kindness, transportation would have been a real challenge.
A huge thank you also goes to Wightlink, our dedicated sponsor. Their unwavering support allows us to continue operating as a club, providing opportunities for our athletes to compete, grow, and achieve their goals. We are truly grateful for their backing—“thank you” hardly seems enough to express our appreciation.
This was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of resilience, teamwork, and the power of sport to bring people together. Here’s to many more successes to come!