Rachel helps dreams come true for Special Olympians
10:00am Sunday 26th June 2011 in Olympics 2012
BADMINTON coach Rachel Burke has helped five athletes reach the Special Olympics.
The 29-year-old, who works as a development officer for Bolton Lads and Girls Club, has raised £12,000 to allow them to compete for Great Britain in the 2011 World Games in Athens.
Now, badminton player Hazel Johnson and footballers Haroon Khan, Graham Bancroft, Xavier Brown and Simon Quick, will take part in the biggest global sporting event of 2011, which takes place in the Greek capital from June 25 until July 4.
Miss Burke said: “I can see every day what sport can do for people of all abilities.
“I’m pleased I’ve been able to help these five terrific individuals compete at the World Games.
“I don’t see it as anything special.
I’m just doing something I love doing and seeing these athletes compete in Athens will make it all worthwhile.”
She raised the funds by climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, a country she has visited once before to help build a sports complex and distribute sporting equipment.
Miss Burke added: “That was tough going and it really took it out of me, but I got there in the end.
“I had to, I couldn’t let people down.”
Karen Wallin, head of Special Olympics GB, added: “Without people like Rachel there would be no Special Olympics.
“We currently receive no central funding from government and no hand outs.”
For more details go to sogb.org.uk or follow the GB team on Twitter @SOGreatBritain
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