2003 Academy Success at the World Special Olympic Games
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Celia Flegg Gold Medal winner and 'All Round Bronze Medallist' at the 2003 World Special Olympic games
There was success for three athletes and two trainers from the Cheshire Academy who took part at the World Special Olympic games held in Dublin during 2003.

These games were hailed as the "largest sporting event on the planet during 2003" and at the close of the games Nelson Mandella concluded that "these were the best games ever" a sentiment with which every one of the 80,00 spectators at the closing ceremony would agree.

The hospitality of the Irish people was unbeatable and special thanks must be given to the wonderful people of Gallway, the town which hosted the GB team.

The three athletes who participated at Rhythmic Gymnastics, Cycling and Artistic gymnastics returned home with a plethora of gold silver and bronze medals.

First to pick up a medal was rhythmic gymnast Celia Flegg aged 24, who fought off world-class opposition to win gold for her hoop routine and bronze medals for her ball and ribbon routines. Celias combined score ensured that she won 'All Round Bronze' medal in her group.

In the field of Artistic gymnastics, Jonathan
Artistic gymnast Jonathan Potter won Gold and "All Round Bronze"
Potter aged 20 won gold on the pommel horse, silver on the rings and bronze on the parallel bars. His combined score resulted in an 'All Round Bronze' medal.

Completing the trio was 13 year old Ian Poole who competed at the 500m, 1000m and the 5000m time trial cycling events. Ian stood the test and won the silver medal in his speciality event the 1000m.

Ian Poole began his cycling debut under the tutelage of Paraolympic cyclist Ian Dawson who was for many years head coach at the Cheshire Academy and tribute must be paid to the outstanding preparatory work carried out by Ian Dawson.

Ian Poole Silver medallist with Congleton Borough Mayor on his return from the World Special Olympic games
And it was not just the competitors who were successful. Academy coaches Iain Chalmers and Chantelle Bradshaw both helped steer the Great Britain team to a haul of medals. They were part of a 5 strong coaching team with each coach being given different responsibilities within the team.

Iains main responsibility was to coach the most advanced male level 2 and 3 routines and under his guidance helped lead the team to a staggering 7 gold, 10 silver and 6 bronze medals.

Chantelle Bradshaw took charge of the four rhythmic gymnasts representing Great Britain. Helping to take the team to 7 golds, 3 silver and 5 bronze medals.

Mr Chalmers said " The Cheshire Academy representatives did very well winning the medals that they did and so too did the whole of the Great Britain team-all in all it was a wonderful experience with the Great Britain team winning 90 golds in total."

Head coach Gwyneth Llingard was not only very pleased with the overall performance of the gymnastics team, but alsoof the coaching team which she felt was one of the strongest and knowledgable coaching teams to be assembled by Special Olympics for many years.

The Special Olympics GB Gymnastics Team who triumphed at the World Special Olympic games in Dublin 2003
Special Olympics GB Gymnastics Coaches

back row left to right Gwyneth Llingard, Chantelle Bradshaw, June Burnett

front row: Iain Chalmers Jeff Savory