Broadhempston athlete secures silver medal at Special Olympics GB’s first National Winter Games

An athlete from Broadhempston near Totnes has soared to victory at the inaugural Special Olympics Great Britain National Winter Games held in Folgaria, Italy. 

Jack Hale, 29, took part in the week-long event, spanning from January 27 to February 3, which showcased athletes in both alpine skiing and figure skating competitions.

Jack, who has Down's Syndrome, stood as the sole representative from the southwest region in the competition.

His unwavering dedication shone through as he clinched a silver medal in the giant slalom discipline.

Additionally, his efforts earned him a participation award for his spirited display in the slalom event.

Special Olympics Great Britain (GB), set up in 1978, is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

It currently has 95 accredited programmes in England, Scotland and Wales and provides coaching and competition opportunities in 27 sports. These programmes are run by over 3,800 volunteers who support more than 6,600 athletes with intellectual disabilities to take part. 

Colin Dyer, the esteemed chief executive of Special Olympics GB, extended hearty congratulations to all participants for their achievements. 

“Huge congratulations go to all athletes on their success at this first National Winter Games. It’s a great achievement to be here competing and proudly representing their region at a national sporting event, let alone winning a medal.”

The success of the National Winter Games was made possible through the invaluable support of event partners such as Dreams, Gallagher, and Sure, alongside a network of corporate collaborators. 

The Ski Company and Alpe Cimbra also played pivotal roles in facilitating the event, while Inclusive Skating spearheaded the figure skating competitions.

Reflecting on his triumphant journey, Jack expressed profound gratitude for the transformative experience of competing.

“Competing at the first Special Olympics Great Britain National Winter Games was just incredible, being there with all my friends, team and SOGB means a LOT to me. 

“It’s really great to get on the snow after all our training on dry slopes and it feels so good!”

 With determination, he now has set his sights on future endeavours, harbouring aspirations of representing his country at the esteemed Special Olympics World Games in Italy.