Alex Thompson has been selected to represent Great
Britain at the 2015 World Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles, taking place
this summer. This is an amazing achievement for Alex, who suffers from XYY Chromosome
Disorder, which has led to a moderate intellectual (learning) disability, along
with poor vision and hearing. But without your help, Alex may not be able to
take his place among the 116 other athletes selected to represent Great
Britain.
To take part, Alex must raise the £2,500
cost of the trip to Los Angeles, so he really needs your help! Can you donate
to help Alex fulfill his dream?
Alex has been offered a place on the Great Britain Basketball Team at this
summer’s Olympics, but his talents are not limited to that particular sport,
Alex is also involved in swimming, bowling and athletics. In 2013, Alex took
part in the Special Olympics National Games, competing in the swimming events. He
was amongst 1,700 other athletes from England, Scotland and Wales. Alex
recently took home the Peter Woodall Sports Award for his sporting
achievements, arranged by The Learning Disabilities Partnership Board. The
Peter Woodall Trophy is awarded to "a person with a learning disability
who has shown determination and enthusiasm, inspired others and has made
outstanding achievements at any level".
The World Summer Games will be an unforgettable experience
for Alex and his basketball team mates; by donating, you too can be a part of
their story!
Alex knows what an incredible opportunity it is to be offered the chance to
represent his country at the World games! He is dedicated to his sport and has
trained and practised extremely hard to be given this opportunity, but he may
not have chance to take his place without you kind help.
The Impact
Alex’s Dad explains how his selection for the
GB Team has affected him:
“Since finding out that he has been selected
to play for the GB Basketball team, Alexander has been so excited and not
stopped talking about it. We know that it will be a great experience for him,
and allow him to gain some independence, which will also increase his
self-esteem and confidence. Playing with the GB basketball team will ensure
that he becomes a better player, gains new friends and the opportunity to see
another part of the world.”
Any additional funds raised will be donated to help competitors at the 2017
National Special Olympic Games, taking place in Sheffield, South Yorkshire; so
your kind donations will continue to help Special Olympic athletes for some
years to come!
“Arriving from all corners of the world,
7,000 athletes will take the global stage in Los Angeles and show the world
incredible courage, unwavering determination, and sheer joy. By supporting
these athletes as they live out their dreams in front of us, you will open
hearts and minds. You will expand our collective sense of acceptance and
inclusion. You will remind everyone of the courage, joy, and determination we
share.” (source: Support an Athlete campaign- Special Olympic World Games 2015 website)
What We Need & What You Get
Alex
needs to raise £2,500 in order to take up his place and compete at the Special
Olympics.
“Los Angeles is
set to welcome more than 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 170 nations
to compete in 25 Olympic-type sports. It's a world stage for our athletes
to demonstrate on the playing field their courage, determination and spirit of
sportsmanship… The Games also are a chance for spectators and volunteers to
have their preconceptions about people with intellectual disabilities changed
forever.” (source: Los Angeles 2015- Special Olympics website)
As
aforementioned, any additional funds raised will be donated to help competitors
at the 2017 National Special Olympic Games, taking place in Sheffield, South
Yorkshire.
We are also offering perks for anyone who offers a kind donation:
- Donate
£5 and receive a pack of Burton Street Foundation greetings cards (5 available)
- Donate
£10 and receive a copy of “Down Our Street” by Burton Street Community History
Project (5 available)
- Donate
£15 and receive a 2015 Burton Street Foundation calendar (5 available)
- Donate
£20 and receive a Burton Street Foundation bag (5 available)
- Donate
£30 and receive a Dance Your Socks Off t-shirt (5 available)
- Donate
£40 and receive a food/drinks vouchers for our onsite café (3 available)
- Donate
£50 and free gym induction and first session at Fit4All Inclusive Gym (1
available)
- Donate
£100 and receive a free meal at Burton’s Restaurant (drinks not included) (1 available)
If you aren’t able to donate money, there are
still opportunities to help Alex out! Maybe you would like to help us fundraise by planning a sponsored activity?We
already have a list of activities planned culminating in a fundraising night on
5th June at Burton Street to include a disco and fundraising games,
so maybe you could come along on the night?
If you can’t get involved, you could still help Alex by spreading the word,
please share this campaign far and wide!
If you would like to find out more or volunteer to
organise a sponsored activity, please contact Bob Harris (maintenance team) on
07982825830 or email bob.harris@burtonstreet.org.uk. Thanks in advance for your support, without it,
Alex may not be able to take part...