Yorkshire Athletes Triumph Over Northern Rivals In 2012 Paralympics Warm Up

Over fifty aspiring athletes from across Yorkshire congregated at the John Charles Sports Centre in Leeds on Thursday 22nd July for the first ever Northern Regional Final of the Craegmoor Olympics.

26 July 2010

Craegmoor is the leading independent provider of support for people with learning disabilities, mental health problems, autism and older people. The Olympics, which began 3 years ago in Kent, have proven to be such a hit with competitors and spectators that regional heats have been rolled out throughout the country, which will culminate in a national final on September 8th near Sutton Coldfield.

Medallists came from across Yorkshire, and one of the big winners included Simon Cooper from Daisy Vale in Wakefield, who gained gold medals in both the 100 metres and the freestyle swim. Another athlete who did particularly well was Lewis Petch who is supported by Church View in Rotherham and won medals for the 100 metres and 500 metres, as well as the long jump. All of the medallists now have their sights set firmly on the upcoming finals in the Autumn, and some are also looking further afield to the 2012 Paralympics.

The Northern Regional Final was the toughest yet, as athletes braved wind and rain to secure their places on the podium. As well as the sporting events, athletes also enjoyed cheering on all the people who work to support them in a staff race, and taking part in a cake decorating stall.

Medal winner Lauren Dufton from Mayfield House was on the committee that organised the event, she said:

"Everyone really enjoyed the event, and even when it rained people still had lots of fun. My favourite part was the swimming and I am very proud to have won a medal. I can't wait for the national finals!"

Vicki Burley, Craegmoor's Quality Development Advisor - Engagement and Involvement, said:

"Craegmoor works to support people to do the things that they are passionate about, and this is really at the heart of the Craegmoor Olympics. I'm thrilled that everyone had so much fun and that there was such a sense of team spirit. There were some great sporting performance and who knows - maybe we'll see one or two of them in the 2012 Paralympics."

For more information please contact the Craegmoor Media Team on

07590 990 995.