THE coach of a teenage gymnast from Newtownards has spoken of the pride in the local community after 14 year-old Haleigh Miskimmin wrote the borough’s latest success story in being crowned all-around world champion for Artistic Gymnastics at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin last weekend.
Bangor Academy pupil Haleigh travelled to the German capital as part of a 73-strong Special Olympics Ireland panel almost a fortnight ago, and she’s now back home celebrating her greatest triumph yet following a dazzling display on the continent.
A member of the Newtownards based Pro-Star Gymnastics Academy from the age of just two, Haleigh was placed first in the vault and second in each of the uneven bars, balance and floor in addition to securing the all-around title.
Nicki Lowry, head coach and co-owner at Pro-Star, said she was “absolutely over the moon” for the teenager.
“We’re all so proud of Haleigh. It has been a big build-up over the last number of months, but she has adapted brilliantly and we are absolutely over the moon for her.
“She has got a great supportive team around her who have really helped to keep her motivated,” continued Nicki.
“And the support from everybody in the local community has been fantastic. Everybody has got behind her, we have been inundated with messages from parents wanting information on Special Olympics gymnastics.
“It’s not often that young people with challenges are given these kinds of opportunities, but it is massively important they get the same chance as anyone else.”
Officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports movement for people with intellectual disabilities, bringing together more than five million athletes in 174 countries.
The 16th edition of the World Games, described as the world’s largest inclusive sporting event, brought together a total of 7,000 athletes from 190 delegations over 26 different sports.
Haleigh’s success comes after she won a bronze medal on vault at the Disability British Championships held in Cardiff last November. Team Ireland brought home a total of 75 medals from the World Games, with artistic gymnasts responsible for over a third of those (27.)
