TWO teenage gymnasts with learning disabilities were given £2,770 from a Mitsubishi dealer in Crewe to help them get to next year's Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Sophie Hughes, 13, of Crewe, and Felicity Martin, 18, of Wistaston, were given the generous donation to help them meet their £5,000 target so they can represent Great Britain in the rhythmic gymnastics category in Los Angeles.

The Games, which are for people with intellectual disabilities, will see around 7,000 athletes from 177 countries compete in 26 sports next July and August.

Felicity, who won gold when she went to the previous Games in Athens, said: “It's really good what Mitsubishi have been doing for us – they've done so much to help us get to the Games.”

She added how much she was looking forward to going to LA to compete, as the Games were a good opportunity for the athletes to show the world what they could do.

Sophie, who has an auditory processing disability and will be the youngest of the whole GB team, said: “The Games are really good, and the gymnastics are really fun. Thank you, Mitsubishi.”

The money was raised through a fundraising Ladies' Night at the dealership plus £1,000 in donations from Grenson and neighbouring firm Fayrefield Foods, which helps Grenson with vehicle storage.

The Ladies' Night saw women of all ages enjoy various attractions, including pop-up boutiques, a fashion show, handbags and jewellery for sale, live music, plus a performance by academy students.

Sophie's mother, Liz, said: “The Ladies' Night was fantastic and the money raised was absolutely amazing. It's really helped us achieve the goal that we set out to do.

“We can't thank everybody enough. It's brilliant.”

Sophie and Felicity train at the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports and Arts, in Broad Street, Crewe, where they have been going since they were eight and two respectively.

Jane Whetnall, the head coach for the team and was awarded the OBE for services to disability sport this year, said: “I think it's wonderful that Grenson are sponsoring the team.

“It highlights our sport, and all I can say is a very, very big thank you.”

Jim Lewis, marketing manager at the dealership, added: “It's a wonderful thing that they're doing and it's great for us to be able to support it.

“We enjoy supporting local community events and this just ticks all the boxes for us and is a great thing to do. We wish them the very best of luck.”