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24-year-old
John Hutchinson from Darlington is an amazing gymnast, despite having Down
Syndrome and severe learning disabilities.
He became interested in gymnastics at the age of 14 when he started to attend sessions at his local leisure centre and It soon became obvious for all to see that he had a real talent for the sport. John joined his local gymnastics club training three times a week and has since gone from strength to strength.
John trains very hard and has not allowed his disabilities to hold him back. After attending the UK Special Olympics in Glasgow 2005, John was placed 2nd in the country. He retained his title in 2006 and was then selected to represent Great Britain at the World Summer Games Special Olympics in Shanghai, China in October 2007. This is an amazing achievement after 10 years of hard work and training.
John was granted £1,500 towards the cost of representing Great Britain in the Special Olympics in China. The grant covered the cost of the uniform, travel and accommodation. June Dixon-Cubitt, Senior Coach commented;
“Despite John’s disabilities he has worked very hard to achieve his present performance level which has earned him the place on the England squad. John is extremely dedicated to his sport and is an excellent example to others.”
John
felt very honoured to be part of the 211-strong Great Britain Team of Special
Olympians and coaches
who took part in the largest sporting competition in the world this year,
with around 7,000 athletes taking part.
During the three weeks he spent in China, John experienced some very testing flights and high security at the airports but all those who attended were pleased to receive extraordinary hospitality from their hosts. The north east team members returned home with 12 medals between them and John won four silvers and a bronze. Overall, Team GB won 84 gold, 83 silver and 57 bronze medals, a fantastic achievement. The surroundings also gave John the new experience of a different culture.
Team manager Keith
Wilcox, said: “Going to China was a dream for everybody.
All the athletes had a fantastic time and there was time to go into the community,
get involved with Chinese families and experience their social lives.”
.
