Twenty-seven local athletes are competing in Leicester this week as part of the Special Olympics Great Britain National Summer Games.

The Wolverhampton Special Olympics team set off for the East Midlands from Aldersley Leisure Village on Saturday morning and the trip was made possible with the help of a £6,000 Wolves Aid donation.

The money has helped to cover the team's expenses, providing the athletes with equipment, uniforms and accommodation.

The group's Acting Chairperson, Jacky Silvester commented: "It is because of the very generous grant from Wolves Aid that so many of us are able to take part in the games."

The Olympics currently serve over 8,000 athletes who take part in year-round sports training and competition programmes.

The National Summer Games are held every four years and the last ones, that were held in Glasgow in 2005, saw the Wolverhampton team come home with 77 medals including 34 gold.

This year athletes from the region are taking part in a wide range of sports, from tennis to table tennis, gymnastics and swimming.

Wolves Aid trustee, Rachael Heyhoe Flint said: "They are a great group of youngsters, whose participation in the National Games will bring recognition to the City of Wolverhampton.

"We wish them the best of luck from everyone at Wolves."

Wolves Aid, part of the Wolves Community Trust, is the largest charity of its type in football, donating thousands to local Wolverhampton-based charities every year.

For more details visit: www.wolves-aid.co.uk or visit the club section of Wolves' official website:www.wolves.co.uk

For more information about Special Olympics GB visit their website on http://www.sogb.org.uk