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Olympic success for Alternative Angles Trainee Carole

Carole Catling a trainee from Newtownabbey Alternative Angles is one of 126 athletes who represented Ireland at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games. The Games ran from 25th June to 4th July in Athens, Greece.

Carole participated in the Table Tennis competition and achieved great success, returning with a Gold in the Doubles category, a silver in the Singles and a 4th place in the mixed doubles. She has been involved in Special Olympics for the past 3 years and is a member of Abbots Cross Special Olympics Club. Carole loves being involved in Special Olympics as it gives her the opportunity to try new sports, socialise and make new friends.

Carole has enjoyed many memorable moments through Special Olympics; recently she also competed at the 2010 Special Olympics Ireland Games in Limerick. Here she won 2 gold medals, one in singles table tennis and the other in mixed doubles table tennis. Other personal highlights for Carole include being selected for the Special Olympics Ulster Team and getting the chance to travel to Limerick to compete.

Carole says her life has changed dramatically since being involved in Special Olympics. She no longer spends most of her time at home but is now always busy playing sports or meeting her friends. Carole also says Special Olympics has helped her improve her fitness levels and given her more confidence.

This is the first time that Carole has represented Ireland and both she and her family are extremely proud of this achievement. Carole had never been to Greece before and was very excited about seeing Athens. She also enjoyed meeting with and competing against athletes from different countries and getting to spend some time in the sun!

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Carole on her fantastic success!!