Success for athletes from Lisburn 2gether

On 19th and 20th April, Lisburn 2gether bocce athletes, Oliver Magee, Chris Parker, Stephen Lyons and Matthew Neeson took part in the Special Olympics two-day Regional Bocce Games held in the Jim Baker Stadium at Templepatrick.

All four athletes won a gold medal on the first day of the games in the singles matches and on the second day of competition during the doubles Matthew and Stephen won a gold with Oliver and Chris gain a silver. A fantastic result for these athletes and their club, who were up against stiff competition from 8 other clubs in their region.

The Badminton Regional Advancement Event took place in Lisburn Racquets Club on 27th April, where Lisburn 2gether had 11 players competing across 10 events, and won 9 gold medals, 4 silver medals and 2 bronze medals. Gary Bailie, Aaron Fitzpatrick, John Bell, Malcolm McRobert and Claire O’Neill all won gold medals in the singles, with Adam Smyth, John McAlvenney, Darren Lendrum and Geraldine Davey picking up silver medals and David Millar and Tom Clarke both finishing third in their groups. Gary and Adam, Aaron and John McAlvenney, and John Bell and Tom Clarke all won gold their respective Level Doubles, and Adam and Claire won a gold medal in their Mixed Doubles.

Medals were presented by representatives from Special Olympics, Trevor Woods (Lisburn Racquets Club) and the Mayor of Lisburn City Council, Alderman William Leathem.

Everyone had a great day, in what was Lisburn 2gether’s first time taking part in the Badminton Regional Advancement Event, and now athletes from both sports will all be waiting with bated breath to see who is selected for Team Ulster to compete in the National Games in Limerick next summer.

Anyone interested in getting involved as an athlete or a volunteer in Lisburn in soccer, bocce, swimming or badminton can contact Helen Mahood on 07742 718 372 for more information.