FIVE Ayrshire sporting stars celebrated their achievements at the Special Olympics GB National Games this summer.

Ayrshire College students, Jack Dickson from Troon, Frances Smiley from Prestwick, Connaire MacLindon from Ayr, former student Laura Logan, from Coylton and Michael McLelland from Kilmarnock, were selected to represent Scotland West in running, shot put, swimming and tennis events in Sheffield earlier this year.

Jack and Frances won gold in the mixed doubles.

Connaire was competing at the Special Olympics for a second time and won gold in the shot put and also competed in the 4x100m relay team, finishing fourth. 

Michael won a gold medal in the front crawl event and Laura achieved three personal bests in Sheffield and is going to Paris later this month as part of the GB Down Syndrome team to participate in the European Championships.

College Principal Heather Dunk OBE said: “I am delighted to present the students with Ayrshire College star medals. Their achievements are outstanding and I believe it is important to recognise their dedication and commitment to their sports. They are amazing young people who are great ambassadors for Ayrshire.”

Arlene Trapp, essential skills curriculum manager at Ayrshire College, added: “The Special Olympics uses the transformative power of sports to teach athletes to dream, strive for success and be resilient.

"We are incredibly proud of our students’ success, and the life skills they have built. Well done to our athletes, and thank you to our Principal for recognising their achievement.”