This weekend saw 1,700 athletes from across the UK competing across 12 different sports as part of the Special Olympics Great Britain National Summer Games.

Now in its 9^th year, the National Summer Games act as an opportunity to not only promote and support the talents of athletes with intellectual disabilities, but to help build relationships between disabled and non-disabled people too, with every event free for the public to attend.

The hope is that by building self-esteem in people with intellectual disabilities, and changing attitudes toward disabled sport more widely, the Games can help improve lives across the board.

Pennies are proud to be an official supporter of the National Summer Games, alongside Pennies retailer Domino’s Pizza.  The most common donation amount given via Pennies by Domino’s customers is just 1p, and these donations have added up to an incredible £366,200 for Special Olympics GB.

This money is vital in helping fund not only special events like the National Summer Games, but also the charity’s year round activities including helping Special Olympics athletes gain leadership qualifications and even acting as a route for people with intellectual disabilities to reach the Paralympics.

This year’s Games were held in Bath from 28^th August until 1^st September, with the help of 500 volunteers and delegations from 19 regions across Great Britain taking part.  Results from all 5 days of events can be found online here, and while you’re there, why not check out some of the fantastic photos from this year’s Games too.