Lyndhurst skater Clutterbuck scoops gold in Special Olympics Great Britain National Winter Games
LYNDHURST’S Jonathan Clutterbuck won the inclusive skating gold medal at the inaugural Special Olympics Great Britain National Winter Games in Folgaria, Italy.
Clutterbuck emerged victorious at the week-long competition that featured both alpine skiing and figure skating competitions.
Special Olympics Great Britain is a sporting organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales, and it is part of the global Special Olympics movement.
The Special Olympic National Winter Games were the first of their type, and they served as qualifiers for the Special Olympics World Winter Games next year in Turin, Italy.
Jonathan trains in Gosport every week under the guidance of his coach, Paul Crocker. He said: “Johnathon has trained with me for around 15 years. We’ve been to Scotland, Sweden and now Italy with his skating!
“He adores his skating and especially enjoys his chance to shine to music to an audience. His smile is infectious and lights up any onlookers.”
Jonathan performed to The Skaters Waltz by Andre Rieu before a gala performance with Paul to Toy Story’s You’ve Got a Friend.
Crocker added: “Johnathon used to be challenged to remember his routine without any help, but through skating, he’s been able to remember whole routines and perform them under pressure.
“We’ve used many techniques to improve his skating and memory, which has helped him off the ice and with confidence towards independent living.
“Skating alongside me was an excellent way for us to show what he’s really capable of! With my support, he can do some very impressive moves he wouldn’t be able to on his own just yet, and he’s more than happy to show everyone and anyone who’ll watch.”
Special Olympics GB chief executive Colin Dyer said: “Huge congratulations go to all athletes on their success at this first National Winter Games.
“Given the daily challenges that people with intellectual disabilities face throughout their lives, it’s a great achievement to be here competing and proudly representing their region at a national sporting event, let alone winning a medal.
“Events in the Special Olympics GB movement bring together so many people and give our athletes new levels of confidence. However, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of our event partners dreams, Gallagher and Sure, along with our stable of corporate partners.”
Special Olympics GB is also being supported in the delivery of the National Winter Games by The Ski Company and Alpe Cimbra, whilst Inclusive Skating is leading the figure skating competitions.
Across the country, Special Olympics Great Britain is the largest provider of sports training and competition for children and adults with an intellectual disability.
Operating in England, Scotland and Wales, the charity has more than 6,600 athletes benefitting from opportunities in 27 different sports delivered by a devoted team of 3,800 volunteers.
