A mother of a Special Olympian who won a gold medal at the 2019 Special Olympics said she is extremely proud of her golden boy.
The Coates Way resident, Jacqueline Bernard, spoke to GarstonNews after her son won a Gold medal in March.
Daniel Bernard, 25, who has learning difficulties and autism, represented Team GB in the men’s basketball at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Daniel’s mum, Jacqueline Bernard, said: “The family are so exceptionally proud of Daniel, it’s a huge achievement – going to Abu Dhabi and winning a Gold medal is just above and beyond.
“In Daniel’s own words, he is having the time of his life. He travelled with his team and coach, Simon Jackson-Turner, and he’s meeting people from different countries and making new friends.”
The Special Olympics that took place on March 14 to March 21, is a multi-sport event for athletes with intellectual disabilities in the tradition of the Special Olympics movement.
Jacqueline added: “The Special Olympics is for those with learning difficulties, not just physical difficulties and is available to anyone.”
Daniel began his sporting journey by playing netball at his primary school and only digressed into basketball when he joined Oakland’s College in St Albans five years ago, and played as part of his course.
The 25-year-old has been playing for Special Olympics St Albans (SOSA) ever since, SOSA provides sporting opportunities for those aged eight years and over with a learning disability.
They train weekly at Parmiters School in Garston and in January 2018 is when Daniel found out he had been selected for Team GB.
Last month, Daniel was invited by Richard Harrington MP to the Houses of Parliament for a personal tour.
Jacqueline said: “He had a wonderful time, Mr Harrington MP couldn’t have been nicer, he gave him a good hour of his time and Daniel even asked him what he thought about Brexit.”
Team GB defeated USA to win the gold medal, to see the moment Team GB were declared the winners, visit www.twitter.com/SOGreatBritain/status/1108302980590243840
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