Special Olympics open in Leicester

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The Prime Minister and his wife were among the guests who witnessed the colourful opening ceremony at the Special Olympics.

Gordon and Sarah Brown watched a dance group lead the way before 2,400 athletes paraded around Leicester City Football Club’s Walkers Stadium on Saturday evening.

Visit the Special Olympics Great Britain website

Athletes with learning disabilities from across the UK will compete in more than 21 different sports at the eighth Special Olympics GB National Summer Games this week.

Mr Brown said:

“These Games are a hugely important part of Britain’s commitment to achievement in sports and to providing every possible opportunity for those with learning disabilities.”

Mrs Brown said:

“This year’s British games in Leicester are set to be the biggest ever - the ability and hard work of the hundreds of athletes, coaches and volunteers taking part in the National Summer Games will help to increase awareness of learning disabilities and remind us all that every single person is unique.”

Earlier this month, Mr and Mrs Brown met seven Special Olympics athletes from London at Downing Street to celebrate the 2009 Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

Nineteen venues across the region will play host to sporting events between now and Friday