Oliver's winning shot

• Oliver has been prolific in sport.  He has had a brilliant year, competing in both regional and national sporting events.  His notable successes are:


September 2008 – qualified at Halliwick Regional Swimming Gala for National Swimming Championships, Pontypool, Wales in October.

November 2008 - member of county boccia team - qualified for National Championships, at EIS, Sheffield - winning bronze medal as an individual, and member of the national winning team.

November 2008 - represented his City in the FDSO Swimming Gala at Ponds Forge, Sheffield – silver medal for 25m breaststroke (new PB time).

November 2008 - represented his district at the National Rotary Games - new age kurling, semi-finalist and table tennis, quarter finalist.

December 2008 - as an individual, winner of a 'Champion Children Award' from local newspaper for his achievements in sport.

January 2009 - selected for Special Olympics Equestrian county squad.

March 2009 - completed ASA swimming skills awards scheme up to Level 12.

March 2009 – member of team winning the Lords Taverner’s under 19s National team boccia Championship, Nottingham.

March 2009 – team member - boccia team champions at Regional Special Olympics.

April 2009 – team member - League winners, CP Sport National Pan Disability Team Boccia - qualified for North of England finals.

May 2009 - Special Olympics National New Age Kurling Champion (Pairs), Widnes.


May 2009 - Winner of School Sports Federation Special Award for 'Outstanding Contribution to School Sports'.

May 2009 – completed ASA Swimming Challenge Awards to Gold Level.

May 2009 - Winner, RDA Regional Dressage Championships (Learning Disability) and member of Drill Ride Team, winning regional competition, both events qualifying for RDA National Championships.

June 2009 - North of England finals, CP Sport National Pan Disability Team Boccia League - qualified for the National League finals in Nottingham.

June 2009 – Special Olympics Regional Athletics Championships - softball throw, silver medallist, 100m race.

June 2009 - Regional Halliwick Swimming Gala - 25m bronze medal, 50m silver medal, 100m bronze medal, 4x25m relay silver medal also member of squad winning the Junior Trophy.

June 2009 - County Youth Games – member of winning boccia team (retained from 2008).

July 2009 - RDA National Championships, Hartpury - Individual Championship Dressage (LD), 8th place, Junior Best Turned Out, 5th place, Horse Care and Knowledge, 100% distinction, Drill Ride Team, 5th place.




• Oliver continues to enjoy horse riding.  This year, he has started working towards the City & Guilds Certificate in Equine Skills.  He attends a special needs college for half a day each week.  The course is very practical and physical - Oliver is learning how to care for horses.
  
  Oliver's favourite pony is called Penny, a piebald cob featured in several photos on Oliver's pages.  Oliver used wire and plaster bandages to make a sculpture of himself riding Penny.  His sculpture won First Prizes at RDA Regional and National Arts and Crafts Competitions.
  

   

  'Oliver and Penny'
  
  

  my wire and plaster sculpture
  
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  Click the thumbnail pictures (above) to view at full size.
  
  
  "When I was 10, I stopped going to school.  Some of the children were nasty to me and it made me very worried about everything.  I started doing my school lessons at home and did not want to go anywhere.  The only place I went to was the RDA.  At the RDA I rode a pony called Penny.
  
  Penny seemed to sense that I was nervous and shy.  She was very kind and gentle and riding her helped me to feel calm and safe.  Gradually, I was ready to start learning new things.
  
  My riding instructor, Sarah, showed me how to use my feet to gently squeeze Penny’s sides and make her walk on.  I was very pleased with myself.  Then I learned how to make her trot.  I was worried that she wouldn’t stop and I might fall off but Penny was always careful with me.
  
  I did not used to speak to people but now I enjoy telling them about Penny and riding.
  
  In 2009 Sarah asked if I would like to do a dressage test at a show.  At first I didn’t want to go because it was on a Saturday and I don’t ride on a Saturday.  Then I found out that I would be riding Penny and that helped me feel better.  I had a practice and I could make Penny do all the moves.  At the show I finished first and won two rosettes.  I gave Penny a big pat because she is the best. "
  (This account of why Penny is important to Oliver was displayed at the RDA National Championships.)
  
  
  
  Oliver now rides lots of different horses and ponies at the Special Olympics Equestrian Group (including one measuring 18hh!).  He has started to learn how to canter.

 

• Oliver loves playing Nintendo Wii.  It seems to be helping his coordination, balance and strength.  His favourite games are any featuring Mario (especially Mario Party 8 and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games), Wii Fit, Marbles! Balance Challenge and Wii Sports Resort.