Eight local athletes have done Stockport proud after picking up gold, silver and bronze medals at the National Special Olympics Summer Games.

Team members from Stockport Harriers Inclusive Athletics took to the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham from 27-30 August for the games, which represents the UK's biggest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Over 1,200 competitors came together from across the country.

The contenders representing Stockport (and their events) were:

• Luke Brady (100m, long-jump)
• Ethan Buxton (800m, 1,500m)
• Daniel Cotton (100m, standing long-jump)
• Jake Moore (100m, 200m)
• Barnaby Moran (100m, 200m)
• Bradley Parker (100m, softball throw)
• Nathan Scallon (100m, softball throw)
• Ryan Scallon (50m, softball throw)

The four-day event started off with an opening ceremony with an athlete parade, accompanied by coaches and volunteers from a range of different clubs around the UK.

Ryan Scallon led the team out onto the track where the atmosphere from the stand was 'electric'; the crowd cheered and clapped as the athletes made their way out onto the field.

Special guest also Aitch appeared on stage and performed his hit song 'My G'.

Day two and and three saw the heat events and semi-finals, where the athletes competed in their individual sports.

It was a big win for Luke Brady, who won gold in his long-jump and beat his personal best distance.

Ethan Buxton also took home two silver medals in 800m and 1,500m, with two personal best times.

Daniel Cotton also won silver in 100m, and Ryan Scallon won bronze for softball throw.

Nathan Scallon also performed amazingly, getting to both finals - a huge achievement in itself.

Day four, meanwhile, saw the finals, relay and medal ceremonies.

It also saw abject weather, as the team battled thunder, downpours of rain, nerves and tiredness.

Nonetheless, all eight athletes showed determination, teamwork and sportsmanship, when they took part in the 4x100m relay race.

Luke, Bradley, Jake and Barnaby crossed the finish line in 3rd place, each winning a bronze medal.

Altogether, 15 participation medals were awarded.

And as well as doing Stockport proud, the team lived up to the Special Olympics oath: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

A spokesperson for the team said: "The team at Stockport have done exceptionally well and always support and motivate each other despite challenges they face. They even got to meet Maddie Down a Paralympian sprinter and long jumper, who they were inspired by.

"A big thank you to the coaches, volunteers and parents who are all very proud of the athletes at Stockport. We are all looking forward to the next competition in the near future."