The Special Olympics The Special Olympics provide sports training and athletic competition to nearly two and a half million people with intellectual disabilities. Children and adults from over 150 countries are involved and are helped towards improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. Lee wrote to 91Èȱ¬ Leicester to tell us that he and his friend Rachel Jarvis had been chosen to represent Great Britain in 2007. He said that they need to raise £2000 to be able to go to the Special Olympics in Shanghai, and 'make their dreams come true'. Lee tells us his story... "When I was in Glasgow last year Keith Wilcox, the Great Britain Team Manager, came to watch the final between Scotland West and the East Midlands that I was playing in. Going into the second half my coach, Roger Sharpe, said to me, "if you get two three-pointers, your name will be put forward to Shanghai 2007." I did score two big three-pointers and it was a day I'll never forget. After that I went for trials at Stoke on Trent and I met the West Midlands Basketball Team and their coaches, Steve Webb and Graham Lapper.Ìý They gave me a big reception when I arrived and Graham said to me, "you did very well mate." On 26 July I had a big letter the post saying I'd been picked to play for Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games.Ìý They are going to be in Shanghai, China from 2 – 11 October 2007. I was in shock for a while after I got the good news! I've been playing basketball for nine years next year, and I train every Monday night at Bosworth College, Desford between 6pm and 8pm. I would live to thanks Keith Wilcox, Steve Webb and Graham Lapper for giving me a big opportunity to play for my country. It will be a dream come true for me if people can help sponsor me for my trip to Shanghai next year." If you would like to sponsor Lee, please send donations to Mr R Sharpe, 1 Oxford Road, Desford, Leicestershire, LE9 9JN. | 
