Junior Sport News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Jemma’s in the Olympics before the Olympics!

Jemma Bowie-Hallam is the first Pembrokeshire athlete to attend a Special Olympics World Summer Games as part of the Great Britain Team.
She is only 13 years old and attends Milford Haven Comprehensive School. She is the only gymnast from Wales and is delighted to be travelling with her coach Victoria Jones, who is also a team coach.
Jemma will depart for Athens on 19th June 2011 at 10am from Haverfordwest bus station.

Wonderful experiences

She has already had lots of wonderful experiences, including a recent visit to 10 Downing Street as the Prime Minister wanted to meet Great Britain’s youngest athlete in the team.
Lawrie McMenemy MBE, the president of Special Olympics Great Britain said,
“To play sport is good, to get picked for your team is brilliant, to represent your country is your highest honour. Be proud, try to win, but most of all, enjoy the moment. Let me win but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Huge event

Jemma will be staying in Skiathos for her first week to acclimatise. The Olympic torch has travelled the world and is due to arrive in Skiathos on Wednesday 22nd June 2011. 
The gymnasts will compete in The Hellinko sports venue, a World Class venue in Athens.
There will be 7500 athletes taking part in the games from 182 countries.
According to Jemma,
“Special Olympics is the most important thing in my life. My dream is to win gold medals for my team and coach. Through Special Olympics I have made lots of friends and I love it!”

Proud family

Her first National competition was at the National Summer Games Leicester in 2009 where she won a silver medal and two bronze medals.
According to Jemma mother, “We are so proud and honoured that Jemma has been given this opportunity.”
Many local organisations have contributed to Jemma’s costs to ensure her dream can be fulfilled. She has trained hard and all her friends and family wishes her well. We hope Jemma has a memorable time before her return to Pembrokeshire on 5th July 2011.