On 25th July, a squad comprising 87 athletes, coaches and support staff arrive in Bollnas, Sweden for a 10 day sporting extravaganza. The teams from England, Scotland and Wales will compete in football, swimming, table tennis and athletics events.

The event is being organised under the auspices of INAS-FID, the Intellectual Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability. INAS FID, founded in 1986, is a member of the International Paralympic Committee.

Teams from England, Scotland and Wales are competing under their home country banners. The English Football Squad has received the full backing and support of the Football Association.

Led by Chef de Mission, Verona Elder MBE, former distinguished Olympic athlete, the squad hope to continue on their achievements this year so far and make a real impact on the medals table.

"We have some of the best athletes in world", says Mrs Elder, "it’s important that our athletes are given the opportunity to represent their country in international sport and in quality worldwide events".

Over 1300 athletes from 38 nations worldwide will compete at this event, organised by SUH, under the auspices of INAS-FID, the international sports organisation for athletes with learning disability (mental handicap).

"The importance of the Global Games cannot be overstated", comments Bernard Atha OBE, President of INAS-FID (Europe) and Chairman, UK Sports Association. "As athletes with learning disability find themselves excluded by the IPC from the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, it is imperative that they demonstrate their sporting prowess on this international stage".

"Reflecting the hard work that has gone into ensuring that all our athletes have a genuine disability, this will be an opportunity for us to show the world that sport for people with learning disability is conducted in a fair and honest way" says Dr Geoff Smedley, CEO, UK Sports Association.

The 2004 Global Games will commence with an Opening Ceremony on July 26th at the beautiful "Folkets Park" in Bollnas, with teams departing Sweden on 3rd August 2004.