A TEAM of athletes from Keighley and Bradford have returned triumphant from this year’s British Special Olympics, winning the district’s biggest medals haul in a decade.

The team bagged 12 gold, 11 silver and 28 bronze medals at the Special Olympics Great Britain National Summer Games in Sheffield.

Their achievements were celebrated at a civic reception held in their honour by the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Abid Hussain, at City Hall this month.

The successful athletes included Keighley track and field competitors Nathan O’Mara, Owen Sangster and Aidan Knights and their Ilkley teammate Paul Heskith.

Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL) had raised more than £25,000 to send the team to the Games.

More than 60 athletes and coaches from the district - one of its biggest teams in years - formed part of the Yorkshire and Humberside squad competing at the five-day event for children and adults with learning disabilities, and various Sheffield locations.

Bradford’s athletes picked up medals in aquatics, athletics, basketball, cycling, equestrian, football, indoor bowls, powerlifting and ten-pin bowling events.

Dean Carroll, BDSL manager, said: “All the athletes from the Bradford delegation represented their region and the city of Bradford with pride.

“The atmosphere at the Games from the wet but marvellous opening ceremony to the closing party disco was out of this world and something we will never forget.

“The athletes showed us all just what can be achieved with a little hard work and dedication.”

Cllr Hussain said the “wonderful” team had even surpassed their previous achievements and the district should be very proud of them.

He said: “I’m so delighted, as Lord Mayor of Bradford, with all the people who have taken part in the competition. I think they are all winners.”

The coaches, athletes and BDSL team are now looking forward to the 2019 World Special Olympic Games, which will take place in Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.

All the athletes are eligible to apply to take part in the World Games and BDSL hopes to send another big team.

Hilary White, chairman of BDSL, said: “I am very proud of each of our athletes in all the ten sports that they competed in.

“I would like to thank all the volunteers, coaches and staff for all their hard work, not just at the Games but week in week out across all of our clubs throughout the district.

“I would also like to thank all our sponsors and in particular Bradford Council for their continued support – now to the World Games in 2019.”