A TEAM of Bradford athletes are in Abu Dhabi to represent Great Britain at the upcoming Special Olympics.

And the team was given a Civic send off by key Bradford Council figures this week before they fly out today.

The five strong team are made up of a basketball player, a cyclist, a golfer and two horse riders, and will be accompanied by their coach.

The Special Olympic Games will take place in Abu Dhabi for one week from Thursday.

The World Summer Games is a multi-sport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the tradition of the Special Olympics movement.

On Wednesday afternoon the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Martin Smith, Bradford Council Leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Executive Member for Healthy People and Places gave the team a special send-off at an event in Keighley Civic Centre wishing them well as they prepare for the international contest.

Bradford Special Olympics athletes on Rhodes to glory

The athletes from Bradford representing Team GB are Neil Hartley - who will be on the GB basketball team, cyclist Ella Curtis, golfer Mark Rhodes, and James Reed-Griffiths and T-Jay Wilson, both from Keighley, who are on the six strong GB equestrian team.

Tim Curtis is a cycling coach who will be going with Team GB.

Hilary White, Chair of Bradford Disability Sport And Leisure, said “We are both delighted and proud to have five athletes and a coach from the Bradford district picked to represent Team GB in this Year’s World Special Olympic Games.

“It goes to show that hard work, dedication and commitment pays off.

“We wish them lots of luck and want them all to go to Abu Dhabi and enjoy themselves and do their best.”

Coun Ferriby said: “We wish our Bradford athletes and coach lots of luck in the Special Olympic Games. We are very proud of what they have achieved and they will be representing themselves and the Bradford district.”

The games will see 7,500 athletes and 2,600 coaches from over 190 countries competing in 24 sports. Team GB is sending a 129 strong team. It is expected to attract over 500,000 spectators.