DISABLED athletes from Keighley were among a 30-strong party competed against teams from other countries in Germany.

The group from Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL) last month spent six days in the city’s twin town of Hamm taking part in various Special Olympics tournaments.

The horse riders, golfers, track athletes and soccer brought home a total of 23 medals and four ribbons.

BDSL funding officer Barry Thorne said: “What a tremendous haul! This was a first time for many, and it was so lovely to see happy but exhausted athletes.”

As well as taking 19 special Olympics events the delegation also met up with people from other countries connected with Hamm as part of the global twin-town network.

Barry said: “For all events we were made to feel welcome. This is an experience that could be replicated again.”

The horse riding team included Keighley’s James Reed-Griffiths and T-Jay Wilson, who brought gold medals home from last year’s Special Olympics World Games.

By said: “Horse riding managed great performances in very hot weather, 32 degrees at one point.

“James Reed- Griffiths was also a great ambassador to the sport and to BDSL.

“For golf there was a 20-minute trip outside the city with some lovely flat scenery; we got to see nature reserves with storks!

“Both our players completed a nine and 18 hole course which was a very long day, but they were amazing throughout.”

The athletics team was taking part in an inclusive athletics meeting, where some athletes were competing to get into the National Team and Paralympics.

Barry added: “It was a very busy stadium over the three days of competition, with athletes of all ages, shapes and sizes.

“We watched a 70-year-old beat some youngsters in a 75m race as well as families completing and just having fun! The organisation of it all highlighted what is possible, regardless of your language.

“The footballers played in the stadium, and with some early accidents and visits to the hospital the team had to borrow players from another team.

BDSL overseas dozens of sports clubs across the district including the long-established Wednesday Leisure Club in Keighley and several weekly athletics sessions at University Academy Keighley.