College duo win Silver at Special Olympics

Barnsley College students, Rob Crosse and Tom Shaw, have won a silver medal representing the Great Britain field hockey squad at the Special Olympics World Games in the Netherlands.

The goalscoring forward, Rob, is a Level 2 Sport student who currently represents Wakefield Hockey Club, where he trains twice a week to perfect his fitness, strength, flexibility, agility and endurance. His greatest achievement was winning a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin last year.

“It is a dream come true to be part of the Special Olympics and it feels amazing to win Silver for team GB. To build on last year’s success at the Special Olympics World Games is an extra bonus.”

Teammate Tom, a Foundation Learning student has played field hockey for the last nine years, his dedication has led him to represent England and GB international level winning both gold and silver medals.

Special Olympics uses sport to empower children and adults with an intellectual disability to enhance their health and wellbeing.

Rob said: “It feels amazing to win silver, I’m so proud of myself and my team. I decided to play field hockey after seeing it on the television at the 2012 Olympic London Games as it looked exciting and fun.

“I’ve done all this with my best friend Tom Shaw, we are like the deadly duo as we train together and compete together. We support each other and it’s amazing to be at each other’s side on our hockey adventures.”

Tom added: “It is a dream come true to be part of the Special Olympics and it feels amazing to win Silver for team GB. To build on last year’s success at the Special Olympics World Games is an extra bonus.

“I wanted to be a part of the Special Olympics after I watched it, I feel it would open me up to reach full potential in my hockey career. It has always been my dream to represent the country.”