Berlin-bound Team Special Olympics GB athlete draws Edgbaston ahead of Ashes series

Special Olympics Great Britain cyclist and renowned sporting artist Niall Guite has taken time out from his meticulous preparations for the upcoming Berlin 2023 Special Olympics World Games by sharing his passion for cricket with a drawing of Edgbaston, the opening venue of the men’s Ashes series.

Niall, who is part of Special Olympics Sheffield and will compete against other athletes with intellectual disabilities from around the world next week, has made Edgbaston his second cricket venue drawn.

Having launched his Art with a Special Goal business in 2021, as a social enterprise with Special Olympics GB, and showcasing his work at the Royal Academy of Arts last year after capturing the attention of Turner Prize winner Grayson Perry, Niall has now drawn 254 high profile sporting venues from around the world.

Speaking ahead of his departure for Berlin, Niall said: “I’ve been working very hard in training in recent weeks to prepare for my second Special Olympics World Games, but my drawing has been a great way to take time out.

“Edgbaston was the perfect venue to focus on, with the Ashes coming up, and I’ll be following events from there very closely from Berlin on Friday, in the hope that England can take an early lead in the series.

“Given the recent form of both teams, this year’s Ashes could be one of the most entertaining ever and Edgbaston is a great place to open the series, given the brilliant atmosphere and support that England always get from the fans in attendance.”

Niall will compete for Team Special Olympics GB in the 25km road race and 10km time trial at Berlin 2023, which will be his second Special Olympics World Games, having previous competed in basketball at Los Angeles 2015.

Niall is one of 82 athletes within the Team Special Olympics GB squad who will compete at Berlin 2023, which is the world’s biggest inclusive sporting event of the year with 7,000 athletes competing across 26 sports.

Across the country, Special Olympics GB uses the power of sport to transform the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities and currently has more 6,500 athletes registered at accredited clubs in England Scotland and Wales. All clubs are supported by volunteer teams, with around 3,500 individuals signed up to help the charity deliver its life-changing work.