2009 Special Olympics Great Britain National Games

The 8th Special Olympics Great Britain National Games was held in Leicester between the 25 and 31 July 2009. Over 2,400 athletes representing 19 Special Olympics regions across the UK have visited the city of Leicester over the seven-day period along with 1,200 coaches and 1,500 volunteers.

2,422 athletes have competed in 21 Olympic style competitions across the city. Sailing was held at Rutland Sailing Centre and Kayaking have taken place at the Anglian Water Site. Leicestershire County Cricket Club were used for Kwik Cricket. Walkers Stadium, home of Leicester City Football Club, was also used for the Opening Ceremony and the Games Village. There are some of the sporting venues hosted the 2009 Games, including Abbey Park (cycling), New College (gymnastics), Hollywood Bowl (ten pin bowling) and Saffron Lane Sports Stadium (athletics).

Leicester's landscape has changed dramatically since the city first hosted the Games in 1989. From the rich diversity of its population, to the magnificent ongoing 3 billion regeneration programme, Leicester was a city rising to the challenge on many fronts.

The city of Leicester have also recruited about 1,500 volunteers to participate in the Games.

A host of celebrities have already offered up their support to the Games next year including Martin Johnson, Gary Lineker, Leicester Tigers, Leicester City FC, and Leicestershire CCC.

See also

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