A disabled athlete from East Cowes (Isle of Wight) has returned with an impressive three-medal haul from his first-ever competitive event, after taking part in the Special Olympics of Great Britain National Indoor Athletics Competition.
Mark Edwards, who lives at Hazelwood House, which is run by the Regard Partnership, attended the championships in Cardiff on Saturday, March 27th, and Sunday, March 28th.
200 competitors with learning disabilities from across the country converged on Wales for the annual Special Olympics Great Britain National Indoor Athletics Competition. The athletes competed in long jump, shot put, and races in 60m, 200m, 400m, and 800m.
He won two gold medals for the high jump and relay and one silver medal for the 60-metre sprint at the event, which was attended by around 200 competitors with learning disabilities from across the UK.
His success was made all the more impressive, since he only began training with the Special Olympics team last autumn, and was taking part in his first competition since then.
Mark, 37, has Fragile X Syndrome, which causes difficulties with his concentration and social interaction, but has found his regular training sessions with the Special Olympics coaches a valuable addition to his activities programme at the home, where he has lived since 1991.
Hazelwood manager Jo Parry said:
“Mark only took up the Special Olympics last year, and because of his condition we didn’t know exactly how it would go, but he’s taken to it like a duck to water.
“He was absolutely delighted with his success at the event, and couldn’t wait to tell everyone here about it!”
Hazelwood House in East Cowes, looks after up to eleven occupants in need of residential care. The aim of the home is to provide individuals with as much lifestyle choice as possible, with many daytime activities on offer, enabling them to enjoy barbecues, a large summer house and attractive garden area.
This article has been read 33 times!
April 4, 2010 at 12:49 am
Congratulations to Mark on his three medal’s he sets a great example to us all and we wish him well.
April 18, 2010 at 7:21 pm
It appears, we must not only congratulate Mark but the rest of the Isle of Wight Special Olympics Team as well.
I edited and published the above as it was provided by those who care for Mark and are rightly proud of his achievements and Hazelwood House.
If there was any other information available on the Isle of Wight Special Olympics Team at that time, I would have published that too. However when the only information I could find was this website link http://www.soiw.org I think you will agree the front page says it all ‘Coming Soon’ and no other contact information at all.
April 21, 2010 at 8:16 am
Excellent work on this article. It makes for an interesting and thoughtful read. Keep up the quality writing.