By Isle of Wight Observer
Athletes from the IW Special Olympics squad delivered great performances at the National Special Olympics Indoor Championships, held at Lee Valley Indoor Arena in London. The team had trained intensively for months, and their results far exceeded expectations, with competitors from across the country witnessing some of the strongest displays the squad has ever produced.
They returned home with a remarkable haul of medals and a series of personal bests. Among the standout results were gold, silver and fourth-place finishes for Amelia Tolley; two silvers and a bronze for Summer Wyatt; gold, silver and fourth for Anna Rosa Cretella; and two silvers and fourth for Tim Diamond. Seasoned competitor Sarah Beane added silver, bronze and fourth to her long list of achievements, while Thomas Pitt secured gold, silver and bronze. Ella King-Smith claimed two golds and a bronze; Lulu Brockbanks-Nash took gold, silver and fourth; and Fleur Foste earned two golds and fourth. Sophia Anniss achieved gold, bronze and fourth, while William Bennett completed the tally with two bronzes and fourth.
Remarkably, with the exception of Anna Rosa and Sarah, this was the first national competition for every athlete.
Those who supported them including Sporting Opportunities chairman David Tolley, were praised for their efforts throughout the day.