Athletes competing in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games meet Lord Coe

Thursday 16th January 2009 marked a special day for London, the mid-point between winning the bid to become Host City and the Opening Ceremony of the Games in 2012. To celebrate this milestone Lord Coe met with athletes who will represent Great Britain in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, USA including two athletes from Surrey, Jonathan Frett and Greg Friend (pictured) who will be competing in Slalom, Super G and Giant Slalom.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games will host almost 3,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from more than 100 countries. During the competition from 7-13 February 2009 athletes will participate in seven winter sport events including: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Figure Skating, Floor Hockey, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, and Speed Skating. Lord Coe wishes all the participating athletes well in their endeavors to bring medals home for GB.

For further information on the Games visit www.2009worldgames.org for information on sport and physical activity opportunities for disabled people in your local area contact christof@londonsportsforum.org.uk