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Special Olympics anniversary event set for Stirling in 2018

The Special Olympics are coming to Scotland
Image: The Special Olympics are coming to Scotland

More than 1,000 athletes will take part in a one-off Special Olympics GB Games in Stirling next year to mark the 50th anniversary of the Games.

The free-to-attend anniversary event, which will take place at the University of Stirling in August 2018, will also mark 40 years since Special Olympics GB was founded.

Athletes from Great Britain and Europe will compete in nine disciplines - including football, athletics, swimming, golf and boccia - with more than 400 coaches and officials and 2,500 family members expected to attend.

The Special Olympics was set up in 1968 by President John F Kennedy's sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Special Olympics GB has since become the largest registered charity in England, Scotland and Wales which provides year-round sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Next year's Games will also include a fan zone, a Healthy Athletes' programme and a family zone housed in marquees in the University of Stirling. There will also be a Games Opening Ceremony and a Closing Ceremony.

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