BASKETBALLERS from Brecon had the honour of representing Great Britain at an International Tournament in France at the weekend - and returned home with silver medals.

The players are all members of the Brecon Integrated Sports Association, the local sports club for young people with learning difficulties. Sports competitions and tournaments across Wales, Britain and Internationally are organised by Special Olympics, the third, least known strand of the Olympic Movement, which caters for people of all ages with learning difficulties.

Our Brecon based side represented SO Wales in Manchester last October. Winning Gold at this their first tournament, put the team on the map, and led to the invitation to represent SO GB in France.

Four days away began with a civic reception to welcome all of the SO teams from overseas. This was followed by two days of competition based at Nantes University. A fantastic opening ceremony and post tournament party for all 850 competitors, completed a wonderful experience for all the players, coaches and carers.

The next outing for the team is as part of the SO Wales team competing at The SOGB Summer Games.

As well as basketball, Brecon club members will be representing their country in athletics, swimming, badminton and tennis.

Altogether, 25 local athletes will travel to Sheffield as part of the SO Wales team to join over 3,000 competitors from home and abroad for a week’s competition.

Our club is run entirely by volunteers and relies on fund raising to provide these opportunities for our young people.

If you would like to know more, take part or support our efforts, please get in contact through Freedom LC in Brecon. The club meets every Friday, 7pm – a warm welcome is always on offer and we would love to see you.