Yorkshire’s premier racing venue has shown its support for disability sport by making a five-figure pledge to the Special Olympics.
Owlerton Stadium, on Penistone Road near Hillsborough, Sheffield, has donated more than £10,000 to the Special Olympics GB National Games, which is currently taking place in the steel city.
As a result of the donation, the South Yorkshire racing venue – which also hosts stock car racing, Sheffield Tigers speedway meetings among other events, secured the status of a ‘Games Friend’ for the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games.
The Special Olympics is held every four years and is the country’s largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Up to 2,600 athletes will take part in 20 sports events at venues across the city.
It is the second time the event has been held in Sheffield, after first hosting it in 1993, and businesses and organisations from across the city region have signed up to add their support and official sponsorship.
John Gilburn, managing director of Owlerton Greyhound Stadium, said: “When the opportunity to partner with the Special Olympics presented itself, we jumped at the chance.
“Supporting good causes is extremely important to Owlerton Stadium and it’s been a huge honour to be a Games Friend for this year’s Special Olympics GB National Summer Games.
“In Sheffield we have such a heritage of sport – not least at Owlerton Greyhound Stadium. The city is the home of sport, as far as I’m concerned.
“Without doubt, the highlight has been meeting the athletes and carers – I’ve met so many over the past few months. The enthusiasm is unbelieveable – I just wish you could bottle it and bring it into business because my goodness, it would create successful businesses!”
For more information on Owlerton Stadium visit owlertonstadium.co.uk or call 0114 234 3074.
