Lyttle takes plunge for Special Olympics

East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle was seen jumping into a pool of ice cold water at City Hall last week as part of a 24 hour ‘Polar Plunge’ to raise funds in support of our local Special Olympics Ulster athletes some of whom will be representing Team Ireland at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens in June. The team will participate in 12 sports including; Athletics, Badminton, Bowling, Equestrian, Football, Golf, Kayaking and Table Tennis. The team will be supported by 48 volunteer coaches and a management team as they prepare to compete against other athletes from across the world.

East Belfast Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle said: “I am glad to support such a great organisation that provides athletes with a learning disability with far more than just the physical benefits of sport. Special Olympics Ireland is helping local athletes to develop, make new friends and build much needed confidence in themselves.

“The opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics will be a life changing experience for many of our local athletes. I would like to thank everyone who has donated to this project and wish all our athletes success at the World Summer Games.”

Special Olympics Ulster is a year round sports training and competition programme for over 2000 people with a learning disability and is part of Special Olympics Ireland. The programme is supported by a dedicated team of 6518 volunteers and 8 staff members. For more information visit www.specialolympics.ie

ENDS