Orwell Panthers Athletics Club

09/09/2026

Alfie makes the news

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1745066560957521&set=a.762804825850371

Massive congratulations to Alfie! 🌟

06/09/2026

Orwell Panthers upcoming events.

Orwell Panther athletes have two further events for the remainder of the year.

20th September - Special Olympics Suffolk will hold its celebration of sport. Held at St Joseph's school in Ipswich, events to come and try will be indoor athletics, badminton, boccia, table cricket, gymnastics and tennis. A chance to maybe try something new. The event also includes presentations and awards.

The event is open to all with intellectual disabilities, see SOS website for details https://specialolympicssuffolk.org/

The final event is the national indoor athletics competition held at Lee Valley on Sunday 22nd November.

https://www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk/events/7495/special-olympics-gb-lee-valley-indoor-athletics-competition-presented-by-united-airlines

So no let up in training as we prepare for the indoor games.

01/09/2026

SOGB link, spot the OP

01/09/2026

Special Olympics on the BBC

Across seven sports, the Special Olympics brought together hundreds of athletes, all with intellectual and learning disabilities.

29/08/2026

Day One SOGB National Games

Following the heats on day one all of the Orwell Panthers athletes representing Suffolk have qualified for the semi-finals on day two.

Day one brought a generally fine day, which occasionally decided to drop large amounts of rain very quickly onto the athletes on the track.

A number of the athletes won their heats both on the track and field events, with many others doing enough to qualify for the semi finals.

We are very proud of everyone and their achievements.

28/08/2026

Day One of Competition.

Today is the first day of competition and Orwell Panthers wishes all their athletes, and all of the competitors the best of luck today in their events.

Good Luck.

Win, but if you cannot win be brave in the attempt.

OP

28/08/2026

Special Olympics national games on the BBC

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy22lgn5gpo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj064nz939yo

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/l0058s9m/athletes-descend-on-birmingham-for-special-olympics

It's taking place for the first time since 2017, and offers athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to compete across several sports.

28/08/2026

Special Olympics Great Britain

Links to their page and opening ceremony, you might recognise a face or two

https://www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsGB/

We provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for all people with intellectual (learning) disabilities in England, Scotland and Wales

28/08/2026

The day has finally arrived.

Yesterday was the opening ceremony and what an evening to remember.

It had been wet all day, but that did not dampen the spirits. The athletes from Orwell Panthers, Special Olympics Suffolk and the whole country had gathered to celebrate sport for those with special needs. The first national games since 2017.

The rain managed to hold off for the ceremony, and as the athletes walked into the arena to a rapturous noise and applause.

The evening concluded with a song from rapper Aitch.

26/08/2026

Birmingham are you ready?

Special Olympics GB are you ready?

Because the Orwell Panthers athlete's representing Suffolk are coming.

We are finally here, today is the day. It has been 9 long years since the last National Games. The build up is over, the hard work and training are done.

5 days of competition await.

We are coming to win. We are going to run, jump and throw to the best of our ability. We are aiming for Gold.

Let's cheer each other on, let's get behind the team, let's make the most of this opportunity, let's enjoy the moment.

Go Orwell Panthers, Go Special Olympians Suffolk.