WARRINGTON will be well represented in this weekend's Special Olympics.

Six gymnasts, two swimmers and an athlete who have special needs will be representing the North West team at Portsmouth.

The gymnasts are all members of the North Cheshire Brookfields Gymnastics Club, based in Halton, and their coach says her pupils will have the time of their lives.

Margaret Meachin adds: "It's brilliant for the town to have so many competing in the Special Olympics.

"I don't think many people know about the event but for some of the competitors this is the pinnacle of their careers. They think it is fantastic. They get their North West kit and travel by bus, they love it.

"It is great reward for all their effort and hard work. Their determination is fantastic.

"As long as they go, compete and enjoy it that is the main thing. We're hopeful that we will come back with some medals too but you can't be too sure of the standards of the other competitors."

Of the gymnasts, Rachel Fairhurst, of Old Hall, and Jamie Par, of Thelwall, are aged 10 while Leanne Vincent, of Callands, is aged 12 and Steven Molyneux, of Penketh, is 22.

Two Warrington Collegiate students from the gym club who are competing are Kevin Brown, aged 22, and Lisa Littlemore, aged 18. They live in Widnes.

The swimmers, who live in Great Sankey, are Jonathan Pritchard and Aden Walker.

Athlete Michael Craven completes the nine.

The opening ceremony takes place tomorrow, Saturday, and events will run through until the closing ceremony next Friday.

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