Barnstaple hosting national special Olympic event

Tarka Tennis in Barnstaple will open its doors for the Special Olympics national table tennis competition over the weekend of October 19 and 20. 

Special Olympics is an international organisation promoting sports coaching for people with intellectual disability. 

“We at the North Devon group (located in Barnstaple) meet every Saturday at 1pm (during term-time), and we have athletes who attend from all over North Devon,” said Jackie Lennox from Special Olympics North Devon. 

“They have the opportunity to play and be coached in table tennis, tennis, badminton and boccia. Local, regional and national events are held, and this gives our athletes and those from other groups around the country the chance to participate in accredited competitions, which in turn can allow some athletes to progress to international competition. 

“It is the only real sporting opportunity for athletes with intellectual disability, and even for those who do not wish to take part in competition, it offers social, physical and mental health benefits.  

“We have recently been chosen to be one of the new Mayor's charities and have also been lucky enough to receive some funding to support this competition from a number of local Councillors.  However, we still need further funding as we are trying to give our athletes the opportunity for swimming lessons too. The Mayor and some Councillors have indicated they will be in attendance at the competition, at least for part of the weekend's proceedings.”

For more information, please visit Special Olympics North Devon on Facebook or contact Jackie on jkemishmillssond@hotmail.com