A SPORTSWOMAN has spoken of her pride after being appointed to a prestigious role with Special Olympics GB.

Jenny Lee, a figure skater and equestrian competitor, has been chosen to join the organisation's athlete leadership team.

Through her role, which she takes up in January, Jenny will provide a voice for thousands of athletes with learning disabilities.

The team regularly consults with Special Olympics GB's national office, sharing the views of fellow athletes, and members act as ambassadors for the movement.

She and six other new members will serve a four-year term.

After two years, they will have the opportunity to stand for the role of chair or vice-chair.

Jenny – from Farnhill – has Polymicrogyria, a condition characterised by abnormal development of the brain before birth.

She has a learning disability as a result, and is deaf.

Jenny took part in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria in 2017.

And earlier this year she competed in Special Olympics GB's first National Winter Games, winning gold and silver medals in figure skating.

She says: "I love being part of Special Olympics GB, and competing in its events has allowed me to make so many friends.

"To be chosen to represent my fellow athletes as a member of the athlete leadership team is a great honour.

"I have always acted as an ambassador for Special Olympics GB, telling everyone about the charity, but to have an official role and represent the views and opinions of others is very exciting. I can’t wait to join up with the team."

Katie Day, chair of the athlete leadership team, welcomes the appointments.

She says: "We had some fantastic applications through the recruitment process and we're delighted to welcome the seven new members to the group.

"It’s a great honour to join the athlete leadership team and our new members should all feel proud of their achievement.

"I’m very honoured to have served as chair for the last two years and to have been a founder member of the group.

"My advice for all athletes is to be yourself and remember that you can make a difference. Good luck to all the new members, and enjoy your athlete leadership experience."

Team members can also apply for roles to represent the voices of athletes internationally.

Outgoing member Kiera Byland chairs the Global Athlete Congress and serves on the Special Olympics international board.