ROME,ITALY

Photos taken in Rome 2006

Two of the four athletes representing the Island in the Track & Field events in Rome have already proved their ability both  winning medals in the junior section of the Summers Isle of Man Track & Field Championships at the NSC in Douglas. John Stephens won the 100 & 200 metres and Gareth Cowin won the Shot Putt both lads were also members of last years Special Olympics Silver medal winning Hockey team who performed so heroically in Japan, they will be joined by newcomers 14 year old Chris Seed, Seed will take part in both 800 & 1500 metres and Katie Saunders will compete in the 100 & 200 metres all these athletes have trained alongside mainstream athletes at the NSC since the turn of the year (Harriet Pryke, Ben Brand, Nicola Cooil, Rachel franklin and Tom Bateson all members of Graham Davies coaching squad) When asked over the internet if anyone could lend them some running spikes I was astonished when so many parents and young athletes turned up with so many pairs of spikes for the group to use. UK Athletics Coach Graham Davies will accompany them to the Games.

Bocce
I have to be honest I had never heard of Bocce until I joined Special Olympics it’s a cross between curling and bowls. It will be interesting to see how our two representative Oliver Riddell and Jason Fox perform, Fox was the Islands Hockey goalkeeper in Japan last year and this is Riddells first competitive outing for the Island. Special Olympics treasurer Janet Norbury will support the youngsters during the competition.

Gymnastics

21 year old Paul Clucas will be taking part in his second European Games he competed in Gronigen, Holland in 2000 and won a gold and bronze medal, Paul who works in Woolworths will be accompanied by 15 year old newcomer Rebecca Maller from the IOM College, Rebecca was a member of the junior specials team that won the recent Gateway Games. Both Gymnasts will be accompanied by one of Special Olympics most experienced coaches Julie Anderson.

Ten pin Bowling

Emily Davies later this year will be seen performing alongside Bob Hoskins when his latest film is released but first along with team mates Amy Kaighin, David Dinham and Shaun Roberts she will be determined to win a gold medal in the Bowling team to add to the silver won in Hockey in Japan. David Dinham missed out on the medals earlier this year finishing fourth in both dressage and equestrian at Austrian Summer Games. This is 15 year old Sean Roberts a pupil of Ramsey Grammar Schools first taste of a major competition whereas the most experienced member of the team Amy Kaighin will be determined to add another gold to the one she won in Swimming in the World summer games of 2004 in Ireland. Barry Dulson one of the hardest working officials of Special Olympics will accompany them.

The organiser and the head of the Manx delegation will be Beryl Wooldridge along with Mick Curran who will assist Head Coach Graham Davies where needed.

The Special Olympics athletes would like to thank all the coaches that have helped them and the wonderful support of the Manx public during their fund raising in helping them make this trip.