My son Thomas is a member of Special Olympics North London. He is one of eighteen members all of whom have intellectual disabilities. Athletes train once a week at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. The club does not receive financial support from local or national goverment and rely on fundraising by parents and supporters to be able to run the group. The club started in 2000 and on average the members attend seven competitions a year at regional and national level.

Training and competing in athletics gives our athletes many of the same physical and emotional benefits as any runner. People with intellectual disabilities, unless they are taking part in sport, will not get the chance to experience competing or winning something, being part of a team or socialising in the wider world.

Special Olympics North London has given Thomas and us as a family so much. Thomas is at his happiest taking part in sport, supported by coaches who invest their time and expertise in helping him achieve with such warmth and care. There is such positivity, belief in their abilities and recognition that those with intellectual disabilities deserve the same opportunities as those without. Watching Thomas thrive fills me with joy and pride. The support we receive from the other families has also enriched our lives. We want to raise as much money as possible to enable this club to continue and out of gratitude for being such a positive force in our lives.