Special Olympics Isle of Man has been given a donation of £1,000 by the Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann.

The organisation provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with an intellectual disability. It says sport gives athletes the opportunity to get fit, develop skills, make friends and be part of the community.

Following a talk and promotion by Special Olympics members at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann, the club agreed to donate £1,000 to support the organisation.

The Special Olympics team will be participating in the Special Olympics contest in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

Presenting the cheque to Adrian Mooney, cycling coach for Special Olympics, Paul Winnell, president of the Rotary Club of Rushen and Western Mann said: ’The Special Olympics squad, their family and friends are great international ambassadors for the island. They also demonstrate the many benefits of sport within the community and that where there is a will to participate there will be a way.

’Special Olympics is a local organisation worthy of every Manx resident’s support and our Rotary Club members are looking forward to hearing of the many successes achieved when they return from competition in Abu Dhabi in March 2019’