A talented martial artists will represent Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games.
Sean Allan, who lives near Castle Douglas, will be the only British athlete competing in the judo discipline in Berlin in June.
The 20-year-old, who attends Dumfries and Galloway College and the Better Lives Partnership, trains regularly at Castle Douglas Judo Club.
He’ll be part of the Team Special Olympics World Games delegation of more than 80 British athletes in June, competing alongside more than 7,000 other athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world.
Also making the trip will be Luke Struthers, who runs Castle Douglas Judo Club and Dumfries Judo Academy and also works as west Scotland regional development officer for JudoScotland.
Luke said: “Sean has been on an incredible journey since he first came to the judo club as an eight-year-old in 2011. He was initially quite shy and struggled to adjust to the different environment, but his confidence levels have soared and he’s a very popular athlete within the club.
“Being able to compete at a Special Olympics World Games is a fantastic opportunity for Sean. Whilst he has previously medalled in the East Scotland Special Needs Judo Championships, competitive opportunities for him can be limited and he has been waiting a long time for this opportunity. Everyone at the club is very excited for him and will be following his progress closely.”
Sean trains at Castle Douglas Judo Club three times a week, whilst also honing his skills at home. Judo is a big part of his family life with his brother and foster brother currently volunteering as coaches at the club, and his foster mother acting as the welfare officer.
As Sean’s coach, Luke has been running Castle Douglas Judo Club as a volunteer since 2001 with the club founded originally by his father Robert Davidson in 1981. He has been a qualified coach for 23 years and he works with 107 athletes at the Castle Douglas and Dumfries clubs.
Chief executive of Special Olympics GB, Colin Dyer, said: “We’re delighted to confirm judo as our 17th and final sport for Berlin 2023, and to give Sean the opportunity to be part of Team Special Olympics GB and compete against other athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world.
“However, none of this would be possible without volunteer coaches like Luke, who are giving up their time to provide the necessary support that allows our athletes to enjoy what is potentially a transformational experience away from their families and home.
Special Olympics GB was last year announced as one of 12 charity partners of Jingle Jam, the world’s biggest charity gaming event. The 14-day-long gaming-fest in December raised more than £200,000 to help the Special Olympics GB send its team of athletes, volunteer coaches and volunteer support and medical staff to Berlin 2023.
