Bethany Collina-the best of British

Cheshire Academy Home Page www.disabilitysport.com
Five gold medals for her rhythmic gymnast Bethany Collina . Bethany pictured with her mother Joanne
It was only two weeks ago that 12 year old Bethany Collina, with the guiding hand of the mayor of Crewe and Nantwich Maurine Grant, raised the burning torch which ignited the giant Olympic flame which stands outside of the Cheshire Academy in Crewe.

The lighting of the flame, that great symbol of illumination and enlightenment heralded the departure of the 45 athletes and coaches from South and East Cheshire Special Olympics to compete at the 7th National Special Olympic games in Glasgow.

When asked how she thought she would do Bethany replies that she hoped with all her will that she might "come back with some sort of medal"

Not only did Bethany fulfil her hopes she returned triumphant with 5 Special Olympic gold medals, the maximum possible in her sport of rhythmic gymnastics.

Bethanys mother Joanne was amazed at her achievement.

"Bethany has been training for over 10 years at the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sport and Arts in Crewe. During that time I have seen her develop from a very shy girl to one who is full of confidence and self -assurance.Bethany [who has Williams syndrome] often has difficulty sequencing her actions, that is getting things in the correct order, yet after years of hard work and intensive training she is now able to stand in front of a massive crowd, alone in the middle of a gymnastics floor and perform a series of difficult and complex rhythmic gymnastics routines in front of a panel of judges marking her every error. She simply oozes confidence.

Coach Iain Chalmers and Joanne Richards were both very pleased with Bethanys performance.

"Bethany has a style and elegance which is particularly suited to the sport of Rhythmic gymnastics. It is wonderful that she has been able to take on the countries best and return with 5 gold medals. It is wonderful to see how sport can help children with disabilities not only physically but help build up their confidence and self assurance. The Borough of Crewe and Nantwich should be proud of the girl who took on the rest and came out the best."

To access our rhythmic gymnastics club web page please click here