Alicia Zuill has dubbed Bermuda’s showing at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, United Aram Emirates, as an overwhelming success.

Bermuda came away from the Games, which concluded with the closing ceremony at the Zayed Sports City Stadium yesterday, with eight medals with several team members also placing in their respective sports.

“These athletes trained hard and hard work pays off,” Zuill, the Special Olympics Bermuda chairperson, said.

“Our athletes trained hard from day one assisted by other track club coaches. On behalf of Special Olympics Bermuda, we would like to say thank you to all who made this possible for these athletes.”

Bermuda’s 13-member team included Bridget Marshall, Micah Lambert, Kris Trott, Danielle Gibbons, Tiannie Lowe, J’Naysha Maloney, Solay Thomas, Del-Che Landy, Damon Emery, Kemari Dill, Carlton Thompson, Wayne Smith and Eden Woollery, who competed in athletics, tennis, bocce, bowling and equestrianism.

Equestrienne Woollery, the youngest member of Bermuda’s team at 14, earned silver medals in the Level CS English Working Trials and Level CS English Equitation, while Thomas captured silver in the softball throw event.

Thompson, the most senior member at 51, earned bronze in the singles bowling competition. Dill, Trott and Emery also secured bronze in separate 100 metres races as did Marshall in the singles Level 4 tennis competition.

“Our athletes have made a few friends and we have definitely left our mark here,” Zuill added.

“Hopefully, Bermuda will see what we are doing and understand exactly what the aim and objective of Special Olympics Bermuda have for our persons with intellectual disabilities.

“Please, parents, bring your athletes out to participate in our events, this is the only way they will be able to have the same opportunity. This is only the beginning.”

Bermuda’s team are scheduled to return home today.