Howard returns with special medals

Table tennis player Howard Tomlinson has returned from the Special Olympics in Bath with several medals. (d610b338)

Howard, from Mirfield, finished fourth in the table tennis singles event.

He then teamed up with Jane McCrudden to win bronze in the mixed doubles and went one better in the men’s doubles, winning a silver medal with partner Haroon Khan.

The Great Britain Special Olympics are the country’s largest provider of year-round sports training and competition programme for children and adults with learning disabilities.

The Special Olympics are held every four years with events in aquatics, athletics, gymnastics, badminton, boccia, bowls, football, golf, tennis and ten pin bowling catered for along with table tennis.

Howard was part of the north of England team and when he arrived in Bath for the Special Olympics, he had a nice surprise.

Eight foot posters had been placed on lampposts around the city of Bath and Howard’s picture featured on several, following his table tennis success for Great Britain over the years.

More than 1,700 athletes from across the country competed in the 12 sports that made up the 9th Special Olympics.

Karen Wallin, chief executive of Special Olympics GB reflected on the success of the Games, saying: “In my wildest dreams I could not have wished for a more successful event.

“The athletes, who all have intellectual disabilities, have gone home smiling and with amazing memories.”