News
February 2024
National Winter Games
Many congratulations to one of our skiers, Annabelle Lamb, who has just returned home from the Special Olympics GB National Winter Games which were held
in Folgaria, Italy. Annabelle competed in the first division mixed gender slalom races and came home with a silver in the Slalom and gold in the Giant Slalom races. Well done Annabelle!
National Winter Games
Many congratulations to one of our skiers, Annabelle Lamb, who has just returned home from the Special Olympics GB National Winter Games which were held
in Folgaria, Italy. Annabelle competed in the first division mixed gender slalom races and came home with a silver in the Slalom and gold in the Giant Slalom races. Well done Annabelle!
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October 2023
Active Norfolk develops innovative regional partnership with Special Olympics Great Britain
Special Olympics Great Britain and its Special Olympics Norfolk club are partnering with Active Norfolk in a move that’s designed to drive sporting participation and increase the number of opportunities in the county for people with intellectual disabilities.
Find out more here:
www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/news/3736294/active-norfolk-develops-innovative-regional-partnership-with-special-olympics-great-britain
Active Norfolk develops innovative regional partnership with Special Olympics Great Britain
Special Olympics Great Britain and its Special Olympics Norfolk club are partnering with Active Norfolk in a move that’s designed to drive sporting participation and increase the number of opportunities in the county for people with intellectual disabilities.
Find out more here:
www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/news/3736294/active-norfolk-develops-innovative-regional-partnership-with-special-olympics-great-britain
9th Sept 2022
Track Meet Report
By Miranda Orth, Canada
Norfolk had a track meet on September 9, 2022 held at UEA Sportspark. This was while I was visiting relatives in Norwich. I participated as a guest from Canada and people welcomed me.
Athletes of all abilities and coaches had fun competing. The events held included, 100metres races and mini Javelin. I felt excited that I won both 100metres races that I competed in.
Overall, I really enjoyed myself. I was interested in going and seeing what Norfolk does at their Special Olympics events.
It would be exciting to compete against the Norfolk athletes in Canada. Thanks for welcoming me and I hope we can meet again.
Written By Miranda Orth, SOBC Nanaimo Athlete Reporter
Track Meet Report
By Miranda Orth, Canada
Norfolk had a track meet on September 9, 2022 held at UEA Sportspark. This was while I was visiting relatives in Norwich. I participated as a guest from Canada and people welcomed me.
Athletes of all abilities and coaches had fun competing. The events held included, 100metres races and mini Javelin. I felt excited that I won both 100metres races that I competed in.
Overall, I really enjoyed myself. I was interested in going and seeing what Norfolk does at their Special Olympics events.
It would be exciting to compete against the Norfolk athletes in Canada. Thanks for welcoming me and I hope we can meet again.
Written By Miranda Orth, SOBC Nanaimo Athlete Reporter
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SON Lockdown Challenge - Extended 16th January 2021
Following the success of our Lockdown Challenge we have extended it. We will now be virtually travelling to SO Head Office Washington DC - 6101km! There is one slight change to the rules. Volunteers and athletes can accumulate kilometres by cycling as well as walking, running. wheeling or exercising. |
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Keep Active Challenge January 2021
Following the Government’s recent announcement of another lockdown, we thought we would produce an activity to engage with our participants, their families and our volunteers, as it will now be some time before we can re-commence our regular activities. We have produced a team walk/run/wheel challenge to “virtually" travel across the Eastern Region, then onto the SOGB office and back again. This challenge should take place over the next two months, starting Monday 11th January. |
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Sunday 17th November, we held our first Eastern Regional ten pin bowling competition at Namco Funscape.
Teams from SO Sheffield and SO Gateshead travelled to Norwich for the competition. The day was a huge success. Thanks to all the athletes who competed. Special thanks to Marje and her team for organising a fabulous day. |
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We are thrilled to announce that one of our Norfolk Gymnasts has been selected to compete in the Special Olympic World Games to be held in Abu Dhabi in March 2019.
Shane Baxter, aged 19, lives in Norwich and trains at the Long Stratton Gymnastics Club. At the Special Olympics Great Britain National Games in Sheffield last August he picked up a remarkable 6 medals, 4 golds a silver and bronze. |
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We are delighted to announce that we are starting a new athletics group. The group will be open to any child aged between 8-16 years old with an intellectual disability.
For more information contact Kay Bailey 07825 778173 |
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CHARITY OF THE YEAR
In July, we had the pleasure of pitching for Charity of the Year at Town Close School. Nicola, Kay and Alison presented to the School Council and we are delight to announce that we were selected. We are now looking forward to working with the staff and pupils at Town Close to fundraise for Special Olympics Norfolk. July 2017 |
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Digital Phone Company Wroxham 5k
15 employees from the wonderful Digital Phone Company Ltd took part in the Wroxham 5K to raise money for Special Olympics Norfolk. They all finished and raised £1400 in the process - fabulous! Alex Fearne completed the Junior 2K - his first ever race! Well done to all the runners and thanks to Katie Warrent and family who came to support and to Michael Lyons Photography. July 2017 |
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RICKY'S FUNRACING 5K RELAY
Special Olympics Norfolk athlete Ricky Brown is aiming to finish with a flourish on his final day as a student at Yarmouth’s East Coast College on Friday 30th June. The 22-year-old is heading up a sponsored 5 km shuttle relay to raise funds for Norfolk competitors taking part in the Special Olympics GB National Games at Sheffield in August for athletes with intellectual or learning disabilities. Ricky’s Funracing Relay takes place on the Gorleston Cliffs parkrun and involves teams of five runners, each member completing a 1 km leg. Ricky's relay is scheduled to start at 11am. You can get involved by running in the relay and/or sponsoring Ricky and the other competitors via Virgin Money Giving: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/RickysFunRacing5kmRelay For more information contact Kay by email. June 2017
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TEAM BUILDING
On Wednesday 31st May we held a Team Building event for the athletes , coaches and volunteers attending the National Games this August. The athletes were given goodie bags (thank you Active Norfolk and UEA Sportspark), played some team building games and were allocated their National Games kit. It was a lovely evening with the emphasis on fun. There are more pictures in the Gallery May 2017 |
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SUMMER ATHLETICS! Sunday 14th May saw 25 Special Olympics athletes compete at the Norfolk Athletes Championships for the first time in Special Olympics style events. 8 athletes from SO Suffolk joined 17 from SO Norfolk to compete in tack and field events. Athletes competed in 3 individual events:- Sprints (50m, 100m, 200m, 400m), Long jump or Standing Long Jump and throws (shot put, Turbo Javelin, and softball). 14 of the athletes will be competing in the week long SOGB National Games in Sheffield this August and it was a great opportunity to experience competitive events supported by a large crowd enjoying the fine weather. It was also inspiring to see 8 athletes in SO style events for the first time. There are more pictures in the Gallery May 2017 |
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SUMMER ATHLETICS!
Athletics is moving outdoors for the summer, starting this Friday 26th May. Most of the sessions will be at Town Close House School (Main Field). You access Town Close Main Field via Newmarket Road by Daniels Road Roundabout. Please remember to wear sportswear (including trainers), hats, sun factor, jacket/hoody and plenty of water. Have fun! Thank you to Town Close House School for allowing us to use your facilities. May 2017 |
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CHARITY OF THE YEAR!
We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to announce that we have been chosen as the Charity of the Year for the Digital Phone Company. Digital Phone Company (DPC) is East Anglia's longest established and largest independent mobile phone retailer with ten stores in the region. Though it's history it has been locally owned and managed and remains a family owned business to this today. DPC is well known for being the main shirt sponsor of Norwich City Football Club, between 2001 and 2003. NCFC fans probably still have this shirt lurking in the back of their wardrobes! We look forward to working closing with DPC over the forthcoming year. The funds raised throughout this partnership will help us to continue to thrive and grow Special Olympics Norfolk, giving our existing and new athletes the opportunity to take part in regular sports training and competition. May 2017 |
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS EASTERN REGIONAL ALPINE SKI COMPETITION
On Sunday 23rd April 2017 13 of our skiers joined more than 40 other skiers in the SOER Alpine Ski Event at the Norfolk Snowsports Club in Trowse. ITV Anglia presenter Becky Jago official opened the event. We were also delighted to be joined South Norfolk Councillor David Bills and Councillor Rex Parksinson-Hare. Norfolk competitors took home 12 gold, 4 silver and 5 bronze medals. A massive well done to all the competitors, volunteers, organisers and spectators for making the day a huge success. April 2017 |
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SHANE BAXTER SPONSORED HEAD SHAVE
A massive congratulations to Shane who decided to brave the shave for Special Olympics Norfolk. Shane agreed to the sponsored shave in order to raise money to send 29 athletes (including him and his sister) to the SOGB National Summer Games, in August. Shane has raise in excess off £800 and this figure is still rising. There is still time to donate: www.virginmoneygiving.com/ShaneBaxter Well done Shane. #weneed15k March 2017 |
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS EASTERN REGIONAL BOCCIA COMPETITION
On Saturday 25th February, Special Olympics Norfolk host our first ever Eastern Regional Boccia Competition at the UEA Sportspark. The event was opened by the Lord Mayor of Norwich, the honorary Marian Maxwell. The Lord Mayor stayed to talk to all the players and even tried her hand at Boccia. We are very grateful to the Lord Mayor for her time. Catherine Meijer who presented the Lord Mayor with flowers and to Edith Kefford who was chosen to recite the Athletes Oath. There were medals galore for Norfolk: - - Catherine Gold and Silver, - Edith two Gold, - Robin two Gold, - Georgia a Silver and a fourth, - Kirsty a bronze and a fourth. Well done guys. Thank you to Special Olympics St Albans and Special Olympics East Hertfordshire for attending the event. A massive well done to Roy Mcgee and the SON Steering Group for organising such a successful event. Our thanks also to Lea, Ann and Stevan for your help on the day. Thank you to Michael Lyons Photography for kindly providing the photos. We have some wonderful lasting memories captured so professionally by Michael. If anyone is interested in any of the photos then please contact us. This is only a selection and we have many more. The final thanks go to Waitrose Eaton for providing the snack bags for the players. On the 23rd April, we will be hosting another regional event, Eastern Regional Alpine Skiing Competition, at the Norfolk Snowsports Club. |
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS EASTERN REGIONAL BOCCIA COMPETITION
We are delighted to be holding our first ever Eastern Regional Boccia Competition on Saturday 25th February. The Lord Mayor of Norwich will be officially opening the Competition. Our athletes will be competing against athletes from St Alban and Hertfordshire. Good luck to everyone taking part. Feb. 2017 |
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THE LIONS CLUB
Over the last couple of months, we have had the pleasure of talking to various local Lions Clubs about Special Olympics Norfolk and our athletes going to the National Games. As a result we have received over £1500 from them! Thank you so much Wymondham, Attleborough, Hethersett, Long Stratton and Norwich Clubs! If you would like to know more about the Lions Club or would be interested in getting involved then visit their website. #weneed15k Jan 2017 
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ACTIVE NORFOLK SPORTS AWARDS NIGHT 15th NOVEMBER
Special olympics Norfolk had a successful evening at the 10th Norfolk Sports Awards. Roy McGee, Jamie Wells and Special Olympics Norfolk were short listed for awards. Roy was the winner of Volunteer Coach of the Year and Jamie was winner of Services to Disability Sport. SON are massively proud of both of them and they are worthy winners. Nov 2016 |
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MEDALS GALORE FOR OUR GYMNASTS
A massive well done to the 4 gymnasts from Long Stratton who attended the Waveney Open SO competition on 23rd October. All 4 won medals : - Evie Rodwell got 2 golds and 2 silvers - Shane Baxter got 3 golds, 2 silvers and a bronze - Niamh Hogan got 1 gold and 3 silvers - Ennio Romanelli got 1 silver and 3 bronzes To top it all off Shane also won the overall trophy for level 1 boys competing at the competition. It was a fantastic day with all the gymnasts being a great credit to their club. Niamh and Ennio really rose to the occasion and enjoyed themselves even though it was their first competition. Oct 2016 |
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POOLE DISABILITY GYMNASTICS OPEN
Shane and Evie took part in this event on the 16th October. They came back with medals - Shane achieved 3 Golds and Evie 1 silver. Congratulations Shane and Evie, Oct 2016 |
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ALMARY GREEN CHARITY AWARDS NIGHT
Representatives from our swimming group receiving a cheque from Carl Lamb at Almary Green's Charity Awards Night. #weneed15k Oct 2016 
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LIGHT, CAMERA, ACTION
Jamie's amazing triathlon raised an incredible £3070 (and it's still going up!). Jamie presented his cheque to Special Olympics Norfolk live on Mustard TV. Thank you Jamie (and Paul). #weneed15k Oct 2016 
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WAITROSE COMMUNITY MATTERS
Special Olympics Norfolks are one of the charity boxes at Waitrose Wymondham for October. Please support us with our fundraising efforts by shopping at Waitrose Wymondham and placing your green tokens in our box. Thank you! #weneed15k Oct 2016 |
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THE LIONS CLUB - HETHERSETT DISTRICT
Nicola, Kay, Paul and Jamie delivered a presentation on Special Olympics Norfolk to the Hethersett District Lions. Nicola received a generous donation from Lion President Alistair Mackie. Thank you Lions Hethersett for supporting us. #weneed15k Oct 2016 
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MORRISONS CHARITY BAG
Another hugely successful bag pack at Morrisons, Diss. Thank you to their wonderfully generous customers for supporting us. We raised just over £550. Thank you to everyone who helped out. Sept 2016 
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CORPORATE PARTNERSHIP
We are delighted to announce a new and exciting Corporate Partnership with Loveday & Partners Financial Planning and Share Dealing Services. Many thanks to Mark and his team for their generous support. Sept 2016 |
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NORFOLK BOCCIA OPEN
Did you see Boccia at the ParaOlympics? Now is your chance to have a go! For more information, contact Roy Mcgee, tel no. 07969 859335 or email |
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FUNDRAISING TRIATHLON
Awesome Jamie raises a massive £2329.50! Jamie, accompanied by Paul Gretton, completed a gruelling 50km triathlon. We cycled 40km, then took on a 9km treadmill walk/run and finished off with a 1km swim at Dereham Leisure Centre. Well done! #weneed15k Sept 2016 
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RIDELONDON
Mark Ready, recently completed the Surrey 100 RideLondon and raising an amazing £937 for Special Olympics Norfolk. Mark was interested to see how money raised was being used, so he visited a SON gym session. A massive thank you to Mark for fundraising on our behave. #weneed15k Sept 2016 
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BRITISH TRANSPLANT GAMES
Quite simply, Mark is an amazing guy! He is taking part in the British Transplant Games, in Liverpool, in July this year and is looking for sponsors to help raise £15k to send 30 Special Olympics Norfolk athletes to the Special Olympics National Summer Games in Sheffield, in August 2017. Mark will also be attending the games as a coach. http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ForMyDonor #weneed15k July 2016 
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PRUDENTIAL RIDELONDON
George Askew (our treasurer) and Mark Ready will be taking part in Prudential RideLondon on 31st July. You can support them and Special Olympics Norfolk by sponsoring them via Virgin Money Giving:- Mark - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MarkReady George - http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GAskewfundraising Good luck guys! #weneed15k July 2016 
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FUNDRAISING 50K TRIATHLON
A massive congratulations to Jamie and Paul for completing their awesome 50K triathlon challenge. An incredible achievement. You are both absolute stars and you have raised so much money for Special Olympics Norfolk and our athletes. #weneed15k http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JamieWells50K July 2016 
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SOGB National Summer Games - Sheffield August 2017
31 athletes from Norfolk have been selected to represent the Eastern Region at the SOGB National Summer Games. In order for our athletes to participate in the Games we need to raise £15,000. Help make dreams come true and support our fundraising initiatives. #weneed15k April 2016 
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Civic Reception - County Hall
Councillor Rex Parkinson-Hare, outgoing Chairman of Norfolk County Council, marked the end of his year in the role by welcoming 120 guests to a reception in May, which celebrated the achievements of the athletes and coaches supported by Special Olympics Norfolk. The reception was attended by guests including the High Sheriff of Norfolk, Sheriff of Norwich, Deputy Lieutenant Bryony Falkus; MPs Norman Lamb and Chloe Smith, and representatives of a number of local sports clubs and organisations. They were treated to a presentation from the Special Olympics Norfolk committee and some of our medal-winning athletes and their coaches. This included a film of the athletes taking part in the organisation’s activities, along with personal accounts from people whom the organisation has helped, discussing the benefits they have gained and their aspirations for the future. May 2016 |
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24th April 2016 Special Olympics Norfolk held their first ever Regional Event at Norfolk Snowsports Club. It was a huge success.
Skiers travelled from all over the country to Norfolk and took part in the competition. A special thank you to Councillor David Bills, Chairperson South North District Council, Councillor Rex Parkinson-Hare, Chairperson Norfolk County Council and his wife, Margaret, and the Honourable Norman Lamb, MP for North Norfolk for supporting this event through sleet, rain and sunshine! April 2016 |
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Congratulations to our Norfolk skiers Alex Fearne and George Burroughs who won medals at the Special Olympics Great Britain National Alpine Skiing Competition in Serre Chevalier France in March!
March 2016 |
