Two local skaters found success at Special Olympics GB’s first National Winter Games.

Callum Mills, a former Portland College student who trains at the Lammas Leisure Centre, Sutton, won two gold medals in the pattern dance — one with his skating partner Jenny Lee, of Bradford — and a silver in the free section of free skating at the inaugural games in Folgaria, Italy.

Meg McFarlane, of Ompton, claimed gold in ice dance and bronze in the free section of free skating.

The week-long competition featured both alpine skiing and figure skating competitions.

Callum said: “What an adventure! I’ve made new friends for life. Thank you to everyone for making this happen.”

Colin Dyer, chief executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “Huge congratulations 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, while Inclusive Skating is leading the figure skating competitions.

The largest provider of sports training and competition for children and adults with an intellectual disability, Special Olympics Great Britain has more than 6,600 athletes benefitting from opportunities in 27 different sports, which are delivered by a devoted team of 3,800 volunteers.

Images courtesy of www.naksportsimages.co.uk