EDITOR - Following a recent article, I would like to point out I am not a coach for the England Paralympics as stated in the Kai's bar report.
I am however the swim coach for Louth Special Olympics Swimming team.
Paralympics caters for athletes with a physical disability as well as those with physical disabilities, but who can perform at an 'elite' level only.
Special Olympics cater f
or all ability ranges, and divisions it participants into 'like ability' for competitions.
All competition is banded, with no more than eight athletes on teams competing against each other, this allows all athletes the opportunity for achievement based on their own level of ability.
Team selection right through to international events ensures all athletes, not just the best have a chance to be chosen to represent their countries.
Special Olympics National Games are held every two years alternating between summer and winter games with European and International Games taking place every four years.
When people have learning difficulties the degree of disability is not always obvious but chronological age will not correspond with developmental age.
At the moment the youngest registered athlete is aged six and will be eligible to compete from the age of eight and the oldest athlete is aged 90.
Although Louth Special Olympics swimming team is not an 'elite' team I would like to add they always give 100 per cent to their training and I am very proud of them and their achievements
Helen Markham
Special Olympic Coach
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