Eleven athletes from Calendar region taking part in Special Olympics

A 15-year-old from Hull is one of just seven swimmers representing Team GB at the Special Olympics.

Sophie Carter, who has cerebral palsy, had to raise the £2,500 cost of her trip to Abu Dhabi – but thanks to a generous donation from two local fireman, she got the money needed.

Before she flew out, Arif Ahmed went to meet her.

Six years ago, James Reed-Griffiths first walked through the stable doors of Haworth Riding for the Disabled.

Now he and stablemate T-Jay Wilson will be representing Great Britain at the Special Olympics.

Laura Butterfield, the centre's head coach, said it was "amazing" to have two of their members represented on the world stage.

"When we got told, we all had tears in our eyes," she said: "We couldn't believe it, we were so happy."

Michael Evans, from Sheffield, is part of Great Britain's Special Olympics table tennis team.

He was born with severe autism and struggles with his speech, but through table tennis he's made new friendships and developed new skills.

He trains three days a week at Darnall Road Baptist Church with coach Shaun Alvey, who runs Inclusive Ping Pong.

Before he left for the Middle East, Chris Dawkes went to meet Michael.