Brownies help Sunderland Special Olympics swimmer

Brownies from 32nd St George's Church Sunderland group, who have been fundraising for the Special Olympics Sunderland.

SUNDERLAND ECHO Published on Wednesday 4 April 2012 08:26

A SWIMMING star has been given a boost by her Brownie friends.
Jennifer Carmody, 10, has Down’s syndrome and swims with Sunderland Special Olympics team

The money will be split between a cystic fibrosis charity and the Sunderland Special Olympics. The charity provides sports training and a competition programme for young people with learning disabilities.

Jennifer’s mum, Anne Carmody, said the Special Olympics have given Jennifer confidence and independence.
Anne, 45, added: “Before she joined, Jennifer could not swim on her own.

She started getting one-to-one lessons and, in the past month, she was good enough to join the team.  “It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done,” added Anne, who lives in Ryhope. 

Jennifer is set to compete in a national competition next year.  “It’s looking like Jennifer will take part in the National Summer Games of the Special Olympics, in Bath, which is great. “It has really given her a bit of independence and she gets to meet other people like her.”

Kath Rooney, secretary and organiser for the Sunderland branch of the Special Olympics, said: “It was really nice for them to give it to someone like Jennifer. “This money has been raised by Sunderland children for Sunderland children.” The Brownies’ coffee evenings and raffles have so far helped raise an impressive £320.

May 2011

"I thought the prom was good and I enjoyed

dressing up into nice clothes and I would like

to go there again".

Laura

"I like the prom it was good, I dressed like a

princess. I like to do it again".

Caitlin

"The prom was good I am going to miss all of

my friends who I have made at Barbara

Priestman School".

Jessica

Jessica Boyce has been chosen to carry the Olympic Torch, pictured with her proud mum, Angela Boyce.

Published on Monday 19 March 2012 08:02 Sunderland Echo

TEENAGER Jessica Boyce is among the inspirational Wearsiders who have been chosen as an Olympic torchbearer.

The 18-year-old, who has Aspergers syndrome, has been selected to carry the famous flame when it makes its way through the streets of Sunderland on June 16.

Jessica, of Houghton, has attended Sunderland Special Olympics since 2009 and is head girl of her school, Barbara Priestman.

She is also vice chairwoman of City Equals, which raises awareness of issues which affect young people with a learning disability or difficulty.

Jessica said: “I feel very proud of myself and I am really happy that I can carry the torch and it’s a real honour for me to have been chosen to carry it.

“I have achieved a lot of things in my life but this is by far the biggest thing so far.

“This is part of history and people will be watching me all over the country. I feel really excited and a little nervous all at the same time.”

City Equals team won the young achievers award for Service to the community

Dear Friends

What we thought about Sunderland Young Achievers Award.

We enjoyed going to Sunderland Young Achievers Awards.  It was cool, we also enjoyed our film what was shown at Sunderland Young Achievers award.  We liked it when we got the glass trophy.

Jessica and Caitlin

March 2011

Sunshine Fund provides tricycle for teenager

FREE to get about like never before, Sarah Scott is the latest youngster to receive a new set of wheels thanks to the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund.

Sarah, 16, of Preston Avenue, North Shields, has Downs syndrome and a hole in her heart.  Until now the teenager has been limited to riding a bike with stabilisers.

Now, thanks to the gift of a special tricycle, she has gained a new independence.

Sarah enjoys being active and the tricycle has assisted with her exercise and helped to boost self-esteem.

Sarah said "I like going out with my Mam on my new bike.  I fell off it going round a tree, my Mam was in the way, but I got straight back on."

Her dad added: “It has got Sarah thinking, ‘Can I go there on my bike?’

She’d like to go to college on it but the roads are too busy.

2010

Ben Irving has drawn a picture which we have used on the cover page of our special olympics swimming gala 2011 programme.

Well done Ben a lovely picture.