The 16th edition of the Special Olympics World Games are currently taking place in Berlin, Germany and one of the 7,000 athletes taking part is Riseley’s Chris Bradley who has already tasted success on horseback.
Competing in the dressage event on Tuesday, Chris came away with a gold medal in the Level A-D03 event aboard Elenco scoring a 77, with Portugal’s Hugo de Almeida and his horse, Doctor Bob in second place while Demi Burgers of the Netherlands came third on Neska.
The following day, Bradley picked up his second gold in as many days, once again with Elenco in the Level A English Equitation event, securing top spot with a score of 76.66.
In second place was Alcaly Diouf of Senegal with Demi Burgers once again in the bronze medal position.
Making sport inclusive
Special Olympics GB currently has 95 accredited programmes in England, Scotland and Wales and provides coaching and competition opportunities in a multitude of sports.
These programmes are run by over 3,500 volunteers who support more than 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities to take part.
There are an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK with an intellectual disability, and while the Special Olympics champions inclusivity, it also has a huge reach with over 190 countries competing at this year’s Games in Berlin.
Colin Dyer, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said, “We are absolutely thrilled for Chris. This is a remarkable achievement, from an exceptional athlete and person.
“Each one of our competitors has defied all odds to partake in these games and to come away with a medal caps a monumental accomplishment. They have undoubtedly brought immense pride to themselves, their family and their nation.”
There are still four days left of competition in Berlin with medal opportunities on every remaining day in the Equestrian arena alongside 26 other sports in a diverse programme.
If you want to find out more about how to get involved in a sport associated with the Special Olympics, you can visit the Special Olympics GB East Midlands section here.
