Special Olympics claim big medal haul in Sweden

More than 20 successes across four sports in Malmo

Special Olympics Isle of Man scooped a big medal haul as the organisation made its debut at an international competition last weekend.

The Manx squad came away with no fewer than 22 medals as they contested the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games in Malmo from 4-6 September.

The majority of medal successes for the Isle of Man came in athletics and swimming where they secured ten medals and nine medals respectively.

Elsewhere, there was a gold and silver claimed in the ten-pin bowling where all of the Island competitors went on to achieve personal bests.

Meanwhile, the Manx football side claimed gold in their tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over FIFH Malmo Red in the final.

The games were understood to be the biggest sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities to have ever been held in Sweden, featuring around 2,000 athletes from 26 nations.

Special Olympics Isle of Man is thanking the hosts as well as organisers, athletes and coaches for their efforts.