Student strikes gold at Special Olympics!

Our student Rob Crosse has brought home a gold medal from the Special Olympics 2023.

The young athlete is part of a history-making team, as his squad is the first that Special Olympics Great Britain and England Hockey have sent to the World Games, which was held in Berlin this year from 17 to 25 June.

“I think everyone could learn a little something from Rob’s unwavering spirit and self-belief. I’m very proud to say we now have a gold medallist as a student.”

Rob, a student in our Learning for Living and Work department, which supports students with additional needs, is one of just 10 players who were selected to form the pioneering hockey squad.

There has never been a dull moment in Rob’s Special Olympics journey, with seven impressive wins, including against Bulgaria in the final, just one loss, and even being selected as water bearer for Team GB at the opening ceremony.

Rob said: “It feels amazing to win gold and to be world champions. We’ve made history, our team is the first GB hockey team to compete at the World Games and we’ve done this. You’ve just got to believe in yourself.

“My experience at the Special Olympics has been legendary, I’m so proud of myself and my team.”

Rob’s College tutor Matt Wilson added: “To hear of Rob’s ever-growing success at the Olympics is just so elating. As I’ve said throughout his journey, we are extremely proud of him and everything he has achieved.

“I think everyone could learn a little something from Rob’s unwavering spirit and self-belief. I’m very proud to say we now have a gold medallist as a student.”