University set to welcome athletes to Special Olympics 2017

3rd August 2017

Sheffield Hallam University has been announced an official supporter of the 2017 Special Olympics.

Starting on Tuesday 8 August, the tenth national games will see around 2,600 athletes with learning disabilities take part in 20 different sports at venues across Sheffield. The University will host the athletics competition in the Sheffield Hallam University City Athletics Centre as well as the football tournament at the Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park. Students will be volunteering at the games, which take place every four years, and will be assisting the athletes, looking after families and ensuring the smooth running of the event. Special Olympics GB is the largest registered charity providing year round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities and it is the second time the games have been hosted in Sheffield. Dan Porter MBE, head of sports services at Sheffield Hallam, said: -We are thrilled to be supporting the Special Olympics and it promises to be a fantastic and inspiring week of sport in the city. "We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of athletes to the University's City Athletics Stadium and Sports Park which is a testament to the quality of the sports facilities we have here at Hallam and in Sheffield. Karen Wallin, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said: -We are delighted that Sheffield Hallam University have become a supporter of the Special Olympics National Games. This is a significant help to our Special Olympics GB athletes and their experience in Sheffield. The Opening Ceremony will take place on 8 August from 5pm at Bramall Lane stadium and will be hosted by Downton Abbey's Jim Carter, F1 broadcaster Suzi Perry and football pundit Chris Kamara. Spandau Ballet's Tony Hadley will open the entertainment followed by James Toseland, the former double world superbikes champion-turned-singer, who will perform the Special Olympics 2017 anthem, 'We'll Stop at Nothing'.