TWO athletes have returned from the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi with a medal each and “some amazing memories”.
Tommy Davies and Hannah Charnley from Brecon Integrated Sports Association’s basketball club represented their country at the biggest sporting and humanitarian event in the world this year. In total 7,500 athletes from 197 countries took part in the games, which ran from the March 14-21
Tommy, from Abercraf, returned from the games with a gold medal in the men’s team event and Hannah, from Brecon, won a bronze medal in the women’s team event.
The Great Britain team was treated to a send-off reception at the United Arab Emirates Embassy in Kensington, before flying out to Dubai to acclimatise before their matches started in venues in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Hannah’s Great Britain team played several matches before meeting the USA in a game for the second and third place. USA proved too hard which meant the Britain team all returned with bronze medals. Hannah said: “I would return to Abu Dhabi tomorrow given the chance! My best moments were scoring two baskets in our match against India.”
Tommy in the men’s basketball also faced the USA, in the final, and together won gold in front of a large group of GB supporters.
Tommy said: “I am so happy that we won gold! I am proud of how well my team and I played, and I’m thankful for our brilliant coaches. It’s an amazing feeling to be part of the first team to win against America.
“Abu Dhabi is an amazing city, everyone was so friendly and it was a really nice place to be. This was truly an amazing experience.
“I want to thank the members of my family who came out to Abu Dhabi to support me and my friends and family who supported me from back home.”
Tommy and Hannah said they are both grateful for all the hard work and support they have received from their coaches in Brecon and with Special Olympics Great Britain. They are also thankful to Brecon Integrated Sports Association for their support and help in fundraising to enable them to attend the games. Anyone keen to get involved with the Brecon Integrated Sports Association can do so by emailing [email protected].