CHRIS SOUTHWELL - Local lad wins Olympic gold in L.A. 2015
Basketball, Competition support 2015
“I’m delighted to win a gold medal and to have experienced such a memorable Special Olympics. Thanks to The Travers Foundation for making this happen."
Chris Southwell, aged 22, was a key player in the GB Basketball team which won gold at the Special Olympics held in Los Angeles, U.S.A between 25th July and 2nd August, 2015.
More than 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities competed at this prestigious event. Chris was appointed captain during the tournament where they played New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Latvia and Italy culminating with the gold medal winning triumph over China and receiving the Coca Cola sportsmanship award as well.
This was GB Basketball’s first ever gold medal at the Special Olympics and Chris played a key part in this fabulous achievement.
Chris, who lives in Oakham, received funding from Northamptonshire- based charity The Travers Foundation, which provided him with funding for coaching and expenses for his trip. The Travers Foundation helps 13 to 30 year olds living Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire to improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.
Chris, who has autism, is delighted with his gold medal and to have experienced such a memorable Special Olympics. As part of their trip, the GB team visited the US Ambassador’s residence in London and the UK Ambassador’s residence in L.A, and attended the opening ceremony at theLA Olympic Stadium in the presence of Michelle Obama, with Avril Lavigne performing ‘Fly’, a specially composed song for the occasion.
What’s next for Chris after his gold medal triumph? He will continue playing for his local Basketball team The Rutland Conquerors, who have a friendly tournament at the Catmose Sports Centre towards the end of October. His next major event is as part of the East Midlands Basketball Team at the Regional Special Games being held in Sheffield 2017.
More than 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities competed at this prestigious event. Chris was appointed captain during the tournament where they played New Zealand, Trinidad and Tobago, Latvia and Italy culminating with the gold medal winning triumph over China and receiving the Coca Cola sportsmanship award as well.
This was GB Basketball’s first ever gold medal at the Special Olympics and Chris played a key part in this fabulous achievement.
Chris, who lives in Oakham, received funding from Northamptonshire- based charity The Travers Foundation, which provided him with funding for coaching and expenses for his trip. The Travers Foundation helps 13 to 30 year olds living Northamptonshire, Rutland or Leicestershire to improve their skills in sports, the creative arts and the performing arts.
Chris, who has autism, is delighted with his gold medal and to have experienced such a memorable Special Olympics. As part of their trip, the GB team visited the US Ambassador’s residence in London and the UK Ambassador’s residence in L.A, and attended the opening ceremony at theLA Olympic Stadium in the presence of Michelle Obama, with Avril Lavigne performing ‘Fly’, a specially composed song for the occasion.
What’s next for Chris after his gold medal triumph? He will continue playing for his local Basketball team The Rutland Conquerors, who have a friendly tournament at the Catmose Sports Centre towards the end of October. His next major event is as part of the East Midlands Basketball Team at the Regional Special Games being held in Sheffield 2017.