Brooksby Melton College students Nathan Wright and Shaun Stubbs won a Team Trophy and individual medals when they represented Melton Borough in the NATIONAL GAMES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES held at one of Melton's twin towns - Sochaczew in Poland

The contestants were accompanied by tutors from the College and below we see the group proudly showing us their trophies and prizes.
Eighteen-year-old Nathan and Shaun, aged 17 competed in a variety of sports from ball and javelin throwing to running and an obstacle race. Nathan struck Bronze in the 200m sprint and the duo jointly won the Boryczew Team Trophy.

The College hopes that this visit will pave the way for further twinning exchanges with Sochaczew of students and staff and other co-operative initiatives.

The 5-day trip was arranged by Melton Mowbray & District Twinning Association in conjunction with Brooksby Melton College.
Staff member Judy Smithers who is a co-ordinator for students with learning difficulties at the College said "We received tremendous hospitality - the games were wonderful and everyone was there to enjoy themselves. We hope to have more exchanges in the future."
Wendy Cronin, another of the College staff added "The Poles were very impressed to learn of our wide range of educational facilities, including University level studies as well as Courses for people with learning difficulties."

Twinning Association Chairman John Rudman described the visit as "very constructive and a great success." He expressed gratitude for the support of the College (which had also provided transport between Melton and Heathrow Airport) in further developing the twinning. He is pictured below (far right) with Tony Gray the Chief Executive of the College and the sporting quartette.

Mr. Rudman also paid tribute to sponsors who had helped with funding - the Charity Appeal of past Melton Mayor Councillor Rex Holt, Melton Mowbray Building Society Charitable Trust and Pedigree Masterfoods (who have a factory in Sochaczew) and to Sochaczew Town Council the hosts for the visiting group.
And joining the team for our final picture are (from left at rear) Diana Twitchen the Chairman of the Melton Mowbray Building Society Charitable Trust, Tony Gray Chief Executive of the College with Mr. Rudman and (far right) Cllr. Rex Holt.

During their trip the group went sightseeing in nearby Warsaw, visited the birthplace of the composer Chopin and the Kampinos National Park. They were also able to tour the workshops for people with disabilities in Sochaczew.
"We were invited onto the flight deck of the aeroplane and had a picture taken with the crew" said Shaun and "At the beginning of the Games we took part in a parade and when we visited Warsaw we came across weddings and also visited the City Zoo."