Alex Rae and Stephen Welsh travelled to Crewe (together with coach/bag carrier Brian Robertson) at the weekend to take part in the Special Olympics Summer Games, alongside 66 other athletes from all over the UK. Despite a number of unforeseen setbacks with broken down trains and minibuses the boys did Special Olympics Grampian proud with both producing their best ever performances.
Alex’s progress since the last Games earned him a place in the top Division for the men’s singles. He produced some great performances, winning 2 of his 4 matches, beating 2 players that he had never beaten before. With 3 players equal on 2 wins behind the winner on 3 wins, countback unfortunately pushed him down to 4th place. He received many plaudits from both players and coaches with regard to the improvement in his play.
Stephen was placed in Division 2, and he totally dominated all 4 matches, winning them all in straight sets and securing the gold medal. His strong serves and topspin backhand gave him almost total control over his opponents. He surely is destined to play at a higher level at the next event.
Sunday saw the men’s and mixed doubles. Alex and Stephen were paired in Division1 and played very well to win a silver medal. In the mixed doubles, Alex and Stephen were paired with 2 ladies from Devon. Alex and Fredrika found it tough in Division 1 and finished 4th. Stephen and Fiona however, won all 3 matches in Division 2 to take the gold medal.
So, a great medal haul for Alex and Stephen. More important however, was the spirit in which all the matches were played and genuine warmth between the athletes, coaches, organisers, and volunteers.
