Councillor Manjula Sood

Councillor Manjula Sood named Community Patron for the Leicester Special Olympics Games The Board of the Leicester Games 2009 have announced the appointment of Councillor Manjula Sood as the Community Patron of the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games Leicester 2009 in recognition of her services to the games in her mayoral year and her ongoing commitment to Special Olympics. 

As Lord Mayor, Councillor Sood raised nearly £90,000 for the Leicester Games and raised the profile of the Special Olympics in the city and the region. Ted Cassidy MBE, Chair of the Leicester Games, said: “We have Martin Johnson and Gary Lineker as Sporting Patrons, Englebert Humperdink as the Cultural Patron and now we delighted that Councillor Manjula Sood has accepted the position of Community Patron for the games. She has been a real star, giving the Special Olympics a special buzz by championing the cause across Leicester's diverse communities. Her devotion to people with learning disabilities is immense and comes from the heart, and the board wanted to recognise her outstanding contribution and ongoing commitment.

Steve Humphries, the Games Director, has worked closely with Councillor Sood over the year and said: “One of SOL's best ever signings! Her endearing and unique personal qualities have played a major part in raising the profile of the games across all communities and inspiring people to become involved in volunteering, fundraising and supporting this historic Special Olympics moment”. Councillor Sood, currently the Deputy Lord Mayor, said: “I am overjoyed and honoured to be given this very special role in the Special Olympics. 

The Leicester Games will show to the Nation how people with learning disabilities can be recognized and respected for their abilities and achievements and how diverse communities can work together as one team.” The Special Olympics GB National Summer Games Leicester 2009 begin with a fantastic opening ceremony at Walkers Stadium on the evening of Saturday 25th July. 

For further information visit: www.sol2009.com