A 19-YEAR-old Ilkley man has been picked to take part in the Special Olympics 2017, which take place in Sheffield in August.

Paul Hesketh, who has learning difficulties, will compete in the 800metres and the 1500metres and secured his place in the flagship event after achieving the qualifying time required in a race last year.

Paul was asked to train with Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure (BDSL) and has taken part in 10k events in Bradford and Leeds for the last four years. He regularly attends Ilkley Tennis Club Gym and Nuffield Gym in Guiseley.

His proud dad Dale Hesketh said: "This is something he has achieved through self training and training twice a week with BDSL."

The Special Olympics is the country’s largest multi-sports event for athletes with intellectual disabilities. It is held every four years and represents a huge opportunity to showcase the abilities of children and adults with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to compete at a national level, experience the personal achievement this brings, as well as enable them to make friends, travel and socialise.

Around 2,600 athletes with intellectual disabilities of all ages and abilities will come together from across the country to compete in 19 sports. Athletes will be supported over four days of competition by 800 coaches, 750 volunteers, 150 officials and over 5,000 family and friends.