Help Leslie Achive His Olympics Dream

28th January 2015

A Sheffield man is fundraising to achieve his Olympic dream of representing Great Britain at the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, USA in July.

Leslie Morgan, supported by disability charity Autism Plus, has been selected to represent Yorkshire and Great Britain at the Special Olympic Games; an amazing achievement and a once-in-a lifetime opportunity. Leslie recently received a donation of £1,000 from Santander, delivered by Jessica Ennis-Hill as part of the Christmas campaign, Secret Santander. Leslie was invited to train with Jessica and prepare for the Special Olympics at the English Institute of Sport. Staff from Autism Plus aka Les' Special Olympics Squad (S.O.S) have been fundraising on Leslie's behalf including taking part in the Sheffield TenTenTen last year which raised over £1,000. The money raised will help Leslie pay for his competitor fees, flights and accommodation and pay for a support worker to accompany him. In total £7,000 is needed to send Leslie to L.A. and achieve his Olympic dream. So far, he has raised just over £3,500. With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games - being staged in Los Angeles between July 25 - August 2, will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. Philip Bartey, Group Chief Executive of Autism Plus said -We are delighted to support Leslie to represent his country at the Special Olympics. Meeting Jessica Ennis-Hill was not only a boost to Leslie's confidence but it has also made him even more determined to get to the Olympics and win a medal for Team GB. We are proud to support Leslie to achieve his dream, we wish him the best of luck on his journey towards L.A. and want to thank everyone for their support and donations so far. Watch Autism Plus and Leslie as part of Secret Santander visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpmEFBFyICs To support Leslie and make a donation visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/events/sos/181319 If you would like to help fundraise on Leslie's behalf or sponsor Leslie contact the Fundraising Team at fundraising@autismplus.co.uk