Nescot student chosen to play golf in Special Olympics

A student from Nescot has been chosen to represent Great Britain at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in March next year.

Nicholas Silver, who is studying Level 2 Uniformed Public Services, said he was shocked to find out he was among the eight people selected to play golf at the competition.

“I was playing golf in Sheffield, and I didn’t know there was a scout from Special Olympics GB watching me,” said Nicholas.

“When I got the letter telling me I’d been chosen for the team I was shocked and excited. I’m really looking forward to playing golf in Abu Dhabi.”

The Special Olympics is for athletes with learning disabilities, including autism and Down’s Syndrome.

The World Games is held every four years. Next year more than 7,000 athletes from 168 countries, including 125 from Britain, will compete in 17 sports, from athletics to power lifting.

Nicholas, who has moderate learning difficulties, has been playing golf since he was 11. He has a handicap of 18 to 25, and will be playing on a nine-hole course in Abu Dhabi.

Nicholas joined Nescot’s Foundation Learning department in 2015, progressing on to Level 1 Sport in 2017 and then Level 2 Uniformed Public Services in September.

“To be chosen to represent your country at a worldwide competition is an amazing achievement,” said Matt Lavallin, Head of Sport and Uniformed Public Services.

“We’re keeping our fingers crossed for Nicholas, and we will do everything we can to support him as he prepares for the Special Olympics.”

Previous Nescot students have played for Chelsea’s pan-disability team, done professional wheelchair racing, and played cricket for England’s Learning Disability Squad.