Castle Douglas Judo Club member attends special celebration at 10 Downing Street

Castle Douglas Judo Club’s Sean Allan was recently invited to attend a special celebration at 10 Downing Street.

Sean was part of Team Special Olympics Great Britain’s squad at the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics, winning a gold medal.

Sean attended the gathering along with coach, Luke Struthers, as well as his fellow Team GB athletes, coaches, parents and supporters.

Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, said: “The strength and ability of these athletes is inspiring, and I am proud that No 10 hosted Team GB as we celebrate their incredible success at the recent Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

“Sport is one of the best ways to bring people together – breaking down barriers to opportunity, building relationships and growing confidence - and the work of the Special Olympics Committee and Special Olympics GB is making a huge difference.”

Sean’s medal was one of 137 claimed by Team Special Olympics GB, along with 47 ribbons.

Strategic director of growth and legacy at Special Olympics GB, Laura Baxter MBE, said: “Being invited to 10 Downing Street is a fantastic gesture by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and demonstrates just how highly valued our athletes’ achievements are across the country.

“Each athlete has overcome adversity to represent their nation on the world stage and they have made memories that will last a lifetime. As well as helping these Team Special Olympics GB athletes build on this experience, we want to use the power of sport to support many more children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

“There are currently 94 sporting clubs accredited to Special Olympics GB across England, Scotland and Wales and, with the support of our volunteers, we want to grow this number further and provide many