Amelia books a place in China (From Worcester News)

Amelia books a place in China

5:31pm Sunday 4th March 2007 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

PERSHORE College student Amelia Martin has been chosen as one of eight British athletes to compete at the Special Olympics World Games in China.

The 20-year-old will compete in the 100m, 200m and the long jump at the games, which take place in Shanghai in October.

"Amelia is very excited about going to China and we are so proud of her," said her mother Melinda.

"No-one in our family has represented Great Britain in any competition before."

“We thought she would only stay for two years but she loves it so much she wants to stay and do a third year.”

Melinda Martin

The games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, and attract about 7,000 athletes from around the world.

This is the first time the summer games have been held in Asia and Martin can't wait to get out there.

She said: "I'm really looking forward to meeting people from other countries and visiting a famous place."

She has been a member of the Special Olympics Worcestershire club since 2001 and has represented Great Britain in Prague in 2005 and in Rome last year.

The club aim to provide year-round sports training and competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with learning difficulties.

Martin trains once or twice a week in Bromsgrove and her older brother, Dan, is now training daily with her to increase her fitness levels ahead of the games.

She will travel to Shanghai at the end of September with the rest of the team and her family will join her there before the competition gets underway.

Her family and friends are currently organising fund-raising events to help pay for the trip which will cost the club £2,000.

She is currently a student on the skills for working life course at the college.

Martin's mother said: "The tutors at Pershore College are all really great with her and very supportive.

"We thought she would only stay for two years but she loves it so much she wants to stay and do a third year."

Father Andy added: "We feel so honoured that Amelia has been chosen to compete, one of only eight athletes from Great Britain.

"These games give young people with a disadvantage the chance to really shine and gain a wonderful sense of achievement."