A final call has just gone out for those who wish to watch or get involved with the Special Olympics GB National Games which are taking place in Sheffield this week ( 7-12 August ). This major event features 2,600 athletes with learning disabilities competing in a variety of challenges covering different sports.
There are still some tickets available for the opening ceremony taking place at Bramall Lane this evening headlining singer Tony Hadley and hosted by stars including football pundit Chris Kamara.
For information about tickets and prices go to https://www.sufc.co.uk/special-olympics . Due to the high demand from SOGB athletes and families, unfortunately there are no wheelchair accessible seats left available at the Opening Ceremony.
Local people with learning disabilities also still have the chance to take part in the Activity Festival which takes place at the English Institute Of Sport on Coleridge Road, Attercliffe on Wednesday August 9 from noon to 5pm. This will feature the opportunity to try a variety of sports and is open to those from the age of 11 upwards. For further information and to register view the Easy Read Registration Form .
You can view details of the sporting schedule and venue information including accessibility and parking on this link.
Please look at the latest list of venues likely to have most space which includes additional comments from Special Olympics GB.
Olympic Fringe activities are taking place in the city as Ed Sexton, Equalities and Involvement Officer at Sheffield City Council and Special Olympics Champion explains,
“Some great people in great organisations have been working tirelessly to create the Special Olympics Fringe. A very loud shout-out needs to go to the creativity of ArtWorks, Burton Street, Disability Sheffield, Under the Stars and Practically Theatre, and to the generous support of Sheffield BID, The Showroom cinema and Irwin Mitchell solicitors. Have a look at the Sheffield Fringe flier , showing where the Fringe is taking place and how people are being asked to contribute to and help colour in #Sheffield17 , a giant work of art to commemorate the Games. There’s also more information about the exhibition Seeing is Believing .
On Thursday 10th August Under the Stars are staging performances devised by adults with learning disabilities about their own life experiences and personal memories ,called Memory Stone’s . You will see a powerful demonstration of the creative influence that adults with learning disabilities can have over the artwork they create. Movement and memories form a large piece of this work. Performance times are 11.15am and 1.15pm in Tudor Square opposite the Crucible Theatre. Each performance lasts around 20mins please come along and show your support.”
In our Fringe event Disability Sheffield is showcasing a ‘Get Yourself Active’ Photography Exhibition in the Town Hall, Reception Rooms.
