The quadrennial three-day event, which saw 1,700 British athletes with an intellectual disability competing across 12 sports, could not have been better, according to Wallin.

"In my wildest dreams I could not have wished for a more successful event," she said.

"The athletes, who all have intellectual disabilities, have gone home smiling and with amazing memories of the 2013 National Summer Games.

"These Games will go on record as being our 'smiliest Games ever'.

"The Games have been a superb celebration of the achievement of our athletes; they've had a fantastic time and lots of medals have been won."

Wallin also praised the University of Bath's Claverton Down campus, which hosted nine of the competitions - including athletics, badminton, boccia, bowls, five a side football, artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, table tennis and tennis, and was home to the athletes during the event.

The University of Bath's Claverton Down campus hosted nine of the 12 sports events


"Being able to make use of the world-class facilities at the University of Bath was a tremendous experience for all the competitors and many personal bests were smashed on the field of play," Wallin explained.

"All the athletes thoroughly enjoyed being able to stay together on the University campus and cheer on their fellow teammates taking part in other sports."

Golf, aquatics and ten-pin bowling were held at other venues nearby, but Stephen Baddeley, director of sport at the University of Bath, said the campus was proud to be the main host for the 2013 Games.

"We were proud and honoured to be the main host venue for the Bath 2013 Special Olympics GB National Summer Games," he said.

"It was one of the biggest sporting events we've hosted at Bath in recent years and it was fantastic to see so many athletes and spectators enjoying the facilities we have on offer.

"I hope everyone has taken away many happy memories from their time in Bath."

Some of the athletes who took part in the 2013 Summer Games are now hoping to qualify for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2015.

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