Special Olympians Aiming For Big Medal Haul
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda’s athletes have been tipped to win a heavy haul of medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
The island’s 19-strong team made the long journey to Berlin from Waiblingen, a town in the southwest of Germany, where they have spent the past few days meeting and greeting the local community as part of the Host Town Programme.
Bermuda will compete at the quadrennial Games, which start on Saturday [June 17] with the opening ceremony, in athletics, bowling, equestrian, swimming and tennis.
Sacha Richardson, the Special Olympics Bermuda public relations delegation staff member, said she is confident the team will improve upon the eight medals won by the island at the previous World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, in 2019.
“We’re wishing for medals, we’re hopeful of medals, and the team energy is very high,” Richardson told Bernews.
“We’re still in preparation mode, ensuring the athletes are physically and mentally where they need to be, especially having travelled so much.
“I’m confident we will win more medals than last time. These Games are a huge deal for our athletes.”
Richardson said the Bermuda athletes were treated like “heroes” by the locals in Waiblingen, where they spent time meeting local school children.
“Each country taking part in the Games has been assigned a city or town throughout Germany,” she said.
“Each town has put on events for their team. We went to a local school where the children made Bermuda flags. Our athletes had lunch with them – it was very inclusive.
“The athletes are realising how much of an impact they can have outside their own country. They have been treated like heroes here, which has given them an even bigger push.”
Team Bermuda
Athletics: Kris Trott, Laura Repose, Kimo Robinson, Solay Thomas, Kemari Dill, and Jaime Brangman. Coaches: Chayce Smith, Juanita Easton and Mujib Swan.
Bowling: Aishauntae Symons, Carlton Thompson, Tiannai Lowe, Patrick Thomas, Ciara Bell, and Wayne Smith. Coaches: Chandra Lee-Bascome and Jordan Bascome.
Equestrian: Eden Woollery. Coach: Jennifer Howard.
Swimming: Aaria Logie, Exodus Somner, and Chevon Burrows. Coaches: Chris Cunningham.
Tennis: Zahar O’Loughlin, Bridget Marshall and Micah Lambert. Coach: Brent Smith.
Awesome work Sach. God bless u guys (: keep up the great work.
Thank you for beeing our guests!
All the best to you and warm greetings from germany.
Thank you for beeing our guests and the great work!
All the best to you ans warm greetings from germany!