THE Island branch of Special Olympics GB has sent a team of 11 athletes to Sheffield to take part in this week's National Summer Games.
Special Olympics GB is the largest provider of a year-round, all ability sports programme in Great Britain and supports over 10,000 athletes with learning disabilities.
More than 2,500 athletes from all over the country will take part in the games across 19 sports, supported over four days of competition by 800 coaches, 750 volunteers 150 officials and 5,000 family and friends.
The team has been sponsored by Steve Porter Transport Group, Isle of Wight and Meachers Road Haulage, Southampton.
Team leader, Sophie Slade, said: "We have competitors in athletics, table tennis and bowls.
It's been a long time coming since the last games in Bath four years ago, but everyone has trained so hard to prepare for the competition.
"We're all looking forward to a fantastic week and hope to bring some medals back to the Island."
The opening ceremony was held at Sheffield United FC, Bramall Lane, on Tuesday.
See next week’s County Press for a full report on the games.