The Isle of Man Special Olympics football team travelled to Gibraltar last week to take part in the sixth Gareth Cowin Memorial Tournament on Saturday.

The games were held in the brand new Special Olympics Gibraltar Sports Complex that was opened only a few weeks ago.

Isle of Man Football Association chief executive Frank Stennett, who accompanied the party as one of the coaches, commented:

’It is always a real pleasure to return to Gibraltar to meet old friends and acquaintances from the Gibraltar Special Olympics team and also the Gibraltar FA.

’As usual, the hospitality and warm welcome we received was first class and the new Special Olympics sports complex is excellent and one that all in Gibraltar should be extremely proud of, with a first class indoor football pitch and a state-of-the-art gymnasium specifically for the Special Olympic athletes.

’We played two games and started with an 8-0 win against Algeciras with the goals spread out amongst the team, Jamie Hardy netting twice, captain Tom Hall and Mark Henry both also grabbing two goals and Owen Langton and Jamie Comaish scoring one each.

’In our final game we met our match, with a very strong and experienced Gibraltar team winning 8-0 to lift the trophy for the fourth consecutive year.

’Prior to the tournament taking place, a decision had been made that the Gareth Cowin tournament would return to the Isle of Man in 2021. We are already looking to expand the number of teams taking part next year and have started looking at dates and accommodation options for our visitors.

’Our thanks go as always to Annie Risso, president of Special Olympics in Gibraltar, for all her considerable input in making sure the event went with great success and impeccable organisation.

’Also we would thank Anne Corlett MHK for accompanying the Isle of Man party and to our sponsor TCQ Limited for their kind and invaluable ongoing support.’

Isle of Man Special Olympics senior coach Kevin Cowin also commented: ’The Isle of Man Special Olympics football team really do enjoy returning to Gibraltar, competing in the tournament and meeting up with other footballers with the same issues that our team deal with every day.

’The tournament provides them with the opportunity to socialise, network and make new friends. More importantly it gives the team some real competition and shows the team that they are not just training for nothing.

’I cannot thank Special Olympics, the people of Gibraltar and all the sponsors enough for hosting my late son’s tournament and the hospitality shown to myself; fellow coaches, officials and particularly the team during our visit to Gibraltar.’