TWO powerlifters from Keighley have muscled their way to seven medals between them at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

James Crossley scooped two silver and a bronze, while Chris Woodhead secured four bronze. There are five categories within the powerlifting competition - bench press, deadlift, squat-lift and two combinations.

The pair are two of three local athletes competing in the Games as part of the 100-strong TeamSOGB. Bradford woman Helen Burton - also a powerlifter - was scheduled to compete today.

James, 22, from East Morton, Chris, 31, from Haworth, and Helen, 47, train with Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL).

Chris is celebrating his 31st birthday during his time at the World Games, which are aimed at people with learning disabilities.

BDSL spokesman Dean Carroll was delighted with the success of James and Chris. "Everyone at BDSL is very proud," said Dean. "Their success shows what hard work and dedication can lead to. This is a result of that.

"Hopefully this will inspire more disabled people to get into sport and show what disabled people can achieve."

Dean said James and Chris train every Thursday and Sunday with BDSL. He said Chris has been training with the powerlifting section for about 15 years, while James has been there about five years.

On their selection for Team GB, Dean said: "They compete in a lot of regional and national competitions in the UK. And last year Bradford hosted a competition for the UK, and James and Chris got picked from that.

"Their ability is part of the reason they got picked, but also because of what they can get socially and how it can improve and impact on their lives, and what experiences and skills can they learn and develop to use in their lives."

Dean also praised the trio's coaches, Kelly Moore and Colin Waggett, saying: "They have done a fantastic job."

James, Chris and Helen flew to the States last week and spent the first three days in the Californian town of Calabasas for cultural visits, light training and acclimatisation to the hot weather, in advance of Saturday’s opening ceremony.

The people of Calabasas were described by TeamSOGB as “so incredible, warm, gracious and hospitable”.

On the final night they dressed athletes and coaches in cowboy hats and scarves and provided an outdoor feast of barbecue food, music and entertainment.

The opening ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, site of the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games, featured performances by Stevie Wonder, Avril Lavigne and Nicole Scherzinger.

A spokesman for TeamSOGB said: “Special Olympics helps to unlock the power and potential of each individual athlete with a learning disability.

“It is allowing each athlete to thrive and strive towards their own personal best – whether that is a medal or the victory of being part of something as special a World Games.

“Since the 1995 World Games, Special Olympics GB has achieved a total 994 medals and countless personal bests. Another six medals of any colour will take the number to 1,000 over the last 20 years and five World Games.”