Latest news with #SportingOpportunities
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Isle of Wight athletics coach selected as official for Island Games 2025
THERE cannot be too many churchwardens who have taken part in the Island Games over its 40 years, but Isle of Wight athletics coach Deborah Percy will be heading to Orkney as a track official. "I'm honoured to have been invited to join the officiating team for the 2025 Island Games in Orkney, serving as a 'starter' — the official responsible for starting races — a role I've proudly held at international level," said Deborah, of Bonchurch. Her journey in athletics began in her youth as a junior sprinter for Great Britain. After raising her children, Deborah re-entered the sport through coaching and officiating. Deborah Percy and international discus thrower son, Nick (Image: Deborah Percy) She now coaches sprints across both mainstream athletics and Special Olympics and Sporting Opportunities. Her son, Nick Percy, is an international discus thrower based on the Island, and a multi-Scottish record holder who represented Great Britain at the Paris Olympics last year. He also has a strong connection to the Island Games, having won discus gold in Gibraltar in 2019. "My officiating journey began out of necessity," adds Deborah. "Living on an island, we often face shortages of qualified officials, so I stepped in — initially just to help, but soon discovered a deep passion for it. "Since then, I've become a versatile official — working across start lines, track and field events. "This flexibility is essential when organising meets on the Island, where resources can be limited." As well as her involvement in sport, Deborah serves as a churchwarden for St Boniface Churches in Bonchurch. Read more: Team of nine talented swimmers aiming to make splash at Island Games 2025 Week of sporting drama and dreams set to be created by Team Isle of Wight Isle of Wight women's football team aiming high for medal success in Orkney Optimism golfers will bring home medals from Orkney "Being of service — whether in sport or in my village — is something I hold close to my heart," she said. Her role as an official has taken her across the country, from local disability meets and wheelchair races to national championships. She has officiated at previous Island Games on the Isle of Wight, as well as in Jersey and Guernsey. "These Island Games are more than just a sporting competition — they are a vital stepping stone for many athletes, as they prepare to enter the international arena," Deborah said. "I am thankful for this opportunity. "I'm thrilled to be part of this celebration of island sport and community."
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Special Olympics football team wins trophy in first competitive game
A Special Olympics team won a trophy in their first-ever competitive fixture. The Sporting Opportunities Isle of Wight football team triumphed at the Charles Culwick Memorial Cup in Benfleet, Essex. This was the team's first time at the tournament, and they returned home with the trophy. Scroll through the photos above The players were full of energy and positivity as they embarked on their journey to the mainland in a minibus. Isle of Wight Special Olympics team wins debut tournament in Essex (Image: SOIW) The atmosphere was described as electric, with laughter, excitement, and team spirit resonating throughout the journey. The journey home was even more memorable, with the team singing in celebration. For many players, this was their debut competitive fixture. They demonstrated collaboration, determination, and integrity in each match, representing Sporting Opportunities and the Isle of Wight with pride and commitment, their proud representatives said. Isle of Wight Special Olympics team wins debut tournament in Essex (Image: SOIW) The team's triumph was described as a moment that will be remembered for a long time. Many of the players said it was the best day of their lives, highlighting the power of sport to bring people together in a meaningful way. The team also formed new relationships during the event, paving the way for future collaboration and progress. The team members were Fenner Brockway, Fleur Foster, Summer Wyatt, Samuel Taylor, Ruth Gray, Lewis Newbury, Nick Spencer, Sebastian Hart, George Haynes, Archie Brown, and Beki Jude.
