STUDENT VOICE Student Voice SPRING SUMMER 2017 | Page 23
Connaire McLindon,
Connect to Careers Michael McLelland,
Connect to Enterprise Frances Smilie,
Transition to College
I’ll be doing shot put and
discus. Red Star, my club,
chose me because of my
performance - I’m top of the
rankings for my age group.
So I’ll be competing for the
west of Scotland. I’m excited about going to the
Special Olympics. I’m going for
a medal. I hope I can go fast in
such a big event. The reason I
took up swimming was because
I realised my stamina wasn’t
the best, so I’ve increased my
stamina thanks to swimming.
I’ve been swimming for a while.
My best stroke is probably
the breast stroke. I have
accumulated loads of medals and
in 2014 I won a Young Athlete
award. I’ll be playing tennis at
the Special Olympics,
representing the west of
Scotland. I’ve been playing
for quite a long time. I got a
letter saying that I was in the
team, I think the club that I
played for put me forward.
I picked up these disciplines
through my athletics coach.
They advised me that I’d be
good at throwing, so they
put me in touch with a coach
in Shettleston. I’ve been with
him for two years and he’s
made me really good.
I like trying different things.
At first I was a runner, but
shot put and discus are
better for me as I get to
show my strength.
I cannot wait. I’m hoping
to get a personal best and
a medal. I’ve been to the
Special Olympics before,
in 2013, so I know what to
expect. I’m helping my
team mates understand what
it’s all about.
I swim for the Kilmarnock Jets
every week. They chose me
to go to the Special Olympics
and I think it could be a good
opportunity for me to show how
fast I have become.
When I swim, everything around
me just goes blank. It’s just me
swimming and there’s nothing
else to think about.
I practise once a week at the
Prestwick Tennis Club. In the
run-up to the Olympics that
will probably increase. I get
coaching there and I think
the best part of my game is
probably my return.
I’m just looking forward to
appearing at the Olympics. It
would also be good to win a
medal if possible.
It’ll be good to be part of the
team.
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THE STUDENT VOICE SPRING/SUMMER 2017
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