A Glasgow teen hopes that taking part in the Special Olympics will inspire others to achieve their dreams.
Craig McGarrity, who has autism, was shocked to be picked to represent Scotland for Team GB for gymnastics at the iconic games.
The talented 14-year-old has always wanted to be a train driver or a world-class gymnast, so was thrilled to be invited to compete in Berlin next year.
The schoolboy, from the Southside, hopes his participation will promote inclusion and remind others with disabilities that they can still achieve a lot.
Craig’s autism means he can sometimes struggle with his concentration and to remember long routines.
He will compete as an artistic gymnast, which is a discipline of gymnastics in which athletes perform short routines on different apparatuses.
Craig’s mum Karen McGarrity told the Glasgow Times she is extremely proud of her son and thrilled that he will represent the country.
The 51-year-old said: “Craig has totally thrived doing gymnastics. He loves it.
“It was an incredible moment finding out he would be going to the Special Olympics, it will be something he will never forget.
“He really wants to let other people know that just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your dream. That means a lot to him.
“I’m so proud of what he has accomplished. It can be difficult for Craig sometimes going to a mainstream school and seeing his friends do things he can’t.
“Now he is so excited to be going to Berlin. It is all about inclusion. The Games take into account what the athletes struggle with and help.
“He always said he wants to be an Olympic gymnast or train driver. I am so proud of him he's achieved his dream.
“Unfortunately, he can’t train right now as he is not feeling well but we are hoping he will be better soon and back at the gym.”
Craig was diagnosed with autism at four-years-old and got involved with gymnastics at five-years-old.
He attended City of Glasgow Gymnastics Club in Bellahouston which provided classes for people with varied ability levels.
Now he is amongst the first athletes to be named in the Team SOGB squad for the 16th Special Olympics World Games.
It is the largest provider of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults of all abilities with intellectual disabilities in the UK.
Next summer, Berlin 2023 will see atheletes compete in sports ranging from athletics, swimming, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, cycling and many more including team sports such as basketball and unified football.
Athletes will be supported by 28 coaches and a further 22 support and medical staff.
Colin Dyer, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said: “Huge congratulations to all of our athletes who have been selected to represent Team SOGB at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin 2023.
“To represent Team SOGB as an athlete with intellectual disabilities deserves the highest praise and recognition."
He added: “Not only will this help raise awareness of the work we do to transform the lives of people living with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport, but it will vitally, help us to use the awareness generated by the Special Olympics World Games to reach out to more and more people with intellectual disabilities and help them get involved with the life-changing impact of Special Olympics.”
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