Athlete Spotlight
Alison McNeil
This young lady has come a long way in recent years. She only started playing Badminton a couple of years ago and she's just competed in The Special Olympics representing the Southern Region. For what was a very brave step for her as it was her first time away from home and her family. We caught up with Alison to get her view on her time competing in The Special Olympics in Sheffield.
How was it to compete in The Special Olympics?
It was Fantastic. I really enjoyed myself, it was good. I liked all the staff that helped out.
What did you compete in?
I didn't do the Doubles, just the Singles. I got a 6th Place Ribbon and it made me very happy. I enjoyed it. The lady calls your name and then you come down and I played against a girl from the other team.
How did it feel to be part of it all?
Fantastic. Everyone there together. It was packed! I enjoyed cheering on Gillian and Gary to.
How was it being away from home for the first time?
Fantastic, I loved it! I got yo stay with my friends, had a nice time with my friends. I loved having my own room. I phoned my mum every night. I really enjoyed it. I would go again. The bed was very comfy. Went down for breakfast every morning and getting ready, then walking down the hill to the games.
When I got home after, Mum had put a sign up on the house saying 'Welcome Home' but my dog wouldn't talk to me!
What did you enjoy the most?
Opening Ceremony at the football grounds, it was brilliant. Men with sticks on their legs, and a dragon! I loved the man singing on stage. I danced loads. And we went for dinner on the Friday to celebrate. The food was lush. I had a roast, and we watched the man making the pizzas and put it in the oven. I had a sundae!
How was it to compete in The Special Olympics?
It was Fantastic. I really enjoyed myself, it was good. I liked all the staff that helped out.
What did you compete in?
I didn't do the Doubles, just the Singles. I got a 6th Place Ribbon and it made me very happy. I enjoyed it. The lady calls your name and then you come down and I played against a girl from the other team.
How did it feel to be part of it all?
Fantastic. Everyone there together. It was packed! I enjoyed cheering on Gillian and Gary to.
How was it being away from home for the first time?
Fantastic, I loved it! I got yo stay with my friends, had a nice time with my friends. I loved having my own room. I phoned my mum every night. I really enjoyed it. I would go again. The bed was very comfy. Went down for breakfast every morning and getting ready, then walking down the hill to the games.
When I got home after, Mum had put a sign up on the house saying 'Welcome Home' but my dog wouldn't talk to me!
What did you enjoy the most?
Opening Ceremony at the football grounds, it was brilliant. Men with sticks on their legs, and a dragon! I loved the man singing on stage. I danced loads. And we went for dinner on the Friday to celebrate. The food was lush. I had a roast, and we watched the man making the pizzas and put it in the oven. I had a sundae!
What's next for you?
I'm looking forward to the celebration party next week for all of us.
I have another competition on a Saturday in October. I'm getting a taxi to pick me up at 8 am and I won't be home until 6:30pm! I am really looking forward to it!
Thank you for your time and talking to us Alison,
and Congratulations once again, you did us proud!
Stayed tuned to find out how Alison gets on at her next Badminton competition
Saturday 21st October
5th Region Tournament at Harewood College in Bournemouth
I'm looking forward to the celebration party next week for all of us.
I have another competition on a Saturday in October. I'm getting a taxi to pick me up at 8 am and I won't be home until 6:30pm! I am really looking forward to it!
Thank you for your time and talking to us Alison,
and Congratulations once again, you did us proud!
Stayed tuned to find out how Alison gets on at her next Badminton competition
Saturday 21st October
5th Region Tournament at Harewood College in Bournemouth
