Duo aim to hit the gold trail

Feb 25 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Duo aim to hit the gold trail

TWO Monklands athletes are targeting gold when they head for the Special Olympics in July.

Laura McLaughlan and Michael Carr, who both have learning disabilities, are determined to be among the medals at the competition in Leicester.

Thirty-year-old Laura is hoping to secure success in the 400 and 800-metre races while second-cousin Michael (45), will take part in the 200 metres and shot put discipline.

The Coatbridge pair are also eyeing a shot at the relay races and have plenty of experience of competing at the top level.

Laura, who is having her trip to Leicester sponsored by Plains-based Gallagher Foods, represented Great Britain in the World Special Olympics in the United States.

She was first introduced to athletics at the age of 13 by a former teacher at Drumpark School in Bargeddie and is a regular at the Red Star club in Glasgow.

Michael participated for Scotland in the 2005 Special Olympics, and he said: “I am looking forward to it and will go down there and try my best.”