A Folkestone athlete has been selected to represent Team Special Olympics GB at the Special Olympics World Games in 2023.

Adam Brownsword, who plays tennis for the Special Olympics Camden Club, is among the first athletes named in the Team SOGB squad.

The 16th Special Olympics World Games will be held in Berlin, Germany, for the first time from June 17 until June 25.

Special Olympics GB are the largest provider of year-round sports training and competition for children and adults of all abilities with intellectual disabilities in the UK.

Their team for Berlin 2023 will compete in sports ranging from athletics, swimming, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, cycling and much more, including team sports such as basketball and unified football.

Athletes will be supported by 28 coaches and a further 22 support and medical staff.

Colin Dyer, chief executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “Huge congratulations to all of our athletes who have been selected to represent Team SOGB at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin 2023.

“To represent Team SOGB as an athlete with intellectual disabilities deserves the highest praise and recognition.

“Given the incredibly challenging circumstances that we have encountered in recent years, winning a place in the Special Olympics World Games squad is not only an incredibly proud moment for our athletes, but for their loved ones and our fantastic team of volunteers who make Special Olympics GB happen.

“We’re also very grateful for the backing of our partners on this journey to Berlin 2023 and are delighted that Jingle Jam, the world’s biggest charity gaming event, has chosen Special Olympics GB as one of its recognised charities this year.

“Not only will this help raise awareness of the work we do to transform the lives of people living with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport, but it will, vitally, help us to use the awareness generated by the Special Olympics World Games to reach out to more and more people with intellectual disabilities and help them get involved with the life-changing impact of Special Olympics.”

Next year’s Games follow on from the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

It will be the world’s largest inclusive sporting event in 2023 with more than 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing over nine days.

Special Olympics GB were recently named by Jingle Jam as one of 12 nominated charities for its gaming festival which took place from December 1 until Wednesday.

Since launching in 2011, the event has raised more than $25million, and all proceeds raised for Special Olympics GB in Jingle Jam 2022 will be used to fund the athletes and coaching team attending the World Summer Games in Berlin.

To show support for Special Olympics GB and help their fundraising drive, click here.