Dumfries and Galloway judo fighter heading to Special Olympics World Games

A talented martial artists will represent Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games.

Sean Allan, who lives near Castle Douglas, will be the only British athlete competing in the judo discipline in Berlin in June.

The 20-year-old, who attends Dumfries and Galloway College and the Better Lives Partnership, trains regularly at Castle Douglas Judo Club.

He’ll be part of the Team Special Olympics World Games delegation of more than 80 British athletes in June, competing alongside more than 7,000 other athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world.

Also making the trip will be Luke Struthers, who runs Castle Douglas Judo Club and Dumfries Judo Academy and also works as west Scotland regional development officer for JudoScotland.

Luke said: “Sean has been on an incredible journey since he first came to the judo club as an eight-year-old in 2011. He was initially quite shy and struggled to adjust to the different environment, but his confidence levels have soared and he’s a very popular athlete within the club.

“Being able to compete at a Special Olympics World Games is a fantastic opportunity for Sean. Whilst he has previously medalled in the East Scotland Special Needs Judo Championships, competitive opportunities for him can be limited and he has been waiting a long time for this opportunity. Everyone at the club is very excited for him and will be following his progress closely.”

Sean trains at Castle Douglas Judo Club three times a week, whilst also honing his skills at home. Judo is a big part of his family life with his brother and foster brother currently volunteering as coaches at the club, and his foster mother acting as the welfare officer.

As Sean’s coach, Luke has been