A FARNHILL figure skater took time out from her World Special Olympics training to meet the Lord Mayor of Bradford.

Teenager Jenny Lee, who will compete in Austria next year, chatted with Councillor Geoff Reid during a training session at Bradford ice rink.

The meeting helped kick-off fundraising by Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure to cover the £2,500 cost of sending Jenny to Austria.

She will be part of the 21-strong Team GB during the Special Olympics Winter Games next March in Graz and Schladming.

Jenny, 19, who is deaf and has an intellectual disability, is the first person from Bradford district to be chosen for the Winter Games.

Already a Special Olympics horse rider, she started skating in 2011 to help improve her balance and co-ordination, but found it also increased her confidence.

Jenny said: “I love ice skating – it makes me feel happy.

"I am going to work hard to be the best that I can.

“I am very excited about being chosen to take part in the World Winter Games.”

Jenny is one of ten figure skaters, who will compete alongside 11 Alpine skiers from the UK at Graz and Schladming.

The Games, whose competitors have learning disabilities, will feature nine Olympic-type winter sports involving 3,000 athletes from 110 nations.

Jenny hopes to follow the success of powerlifters James Crossley of East Morton; Chris Woodhead, of Haworth, and Helen Burton of Bradford, who brought home medals from last year’s Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

Jenny’s participation in the Winter Games has come through her involvement with Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL).

BDSL chairman, Hilary White, said: “We are thrilled at Jenny’s success in gaining a place with the Great Britain team.

“This is a first for BDSL, and I hope we will try and promote winter games in the future.”

BDSL’s fundraising campaign aims to cover the costs of entry, transport, kit, training weekends and insurance.

A number of fundraising activities have already been planned, but BDSL would like to hear from anyone who can help with sponsorship, donations of cash or fundraising ideas.

E-mail Barry Thorne on bsr1@btconnect.com or contact him on 01274 437093.

Special Olympics involves thousands of adults and young people with learning disabilities from across the UK, who compete in regional, national and international competitions.