Four excited Special Olympics Bury athletes enjoyed a fantastic day at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester meeting stars set to play in the World Cup.

Athletes from the borough branch had the lucky opportunity to meet with members of Manchester City's Premier League champions, including Special Olympics Great Britain ambassador Jack Grealish, 27.

Bury Times: Special Olympics Bury athletes with Jack Grealish Special Olympics Bury athletes with Jack Grealish (Image: Public)

The group, ran and managed in partnership with Jigsaw Bury, a sport and social group for disabled people, said its members who attended enjoyed a very exciting day.

Bury Times: Special Olympics Bury (Katherine Edge, Nia Leyland, Matthew Lingard & Ben Corfield) attended along with supporting staff members (Ellen Smith, Zoe Oldham, Dawn McCormick & Peter Taylor). Special Olympics Bury (Katherine Edge, Nia Leyland, Matthew Lingard & Ben Corfield) attended along with supporting staff members (Ellen Smith, Zoe Oldham, Dawn McCormick & Peter Taylor). (Image: Public)

The athletes watched City’s first team train before meeting, chatting and trainning with Grealish, days before he jetted off to Qatar with his England international teammates, including fellow club colleagues.

Jigsaw coordinator Ellen Smith said: “We went last Thursday, arriving at about 10.30am and watched the first team training outside.

Bury Times: Special Olympics Bury members with Jack Grealish Special Olympics Bury members with Jack Grealish (Image: Public)

“We met a couple of the players while we were there before our athletes had a kick about inside.

“That's when we met Jack and he came down and played with them.

Bury Times: Special Olympics Bury members with Ederson Santana de MoraesSpecial Olympics Bury members with Ederson Santana de Moraes (Image: Public)

“We had a penalty shootout, some drills and there was a question-and-answer session at the end as well as the signing of some city shirts.

“It was a very exciting day for everyone, we were on cloud nine and it still doesn’t feel like its over, it was just so much fun.

Bury Times: Special Olympics Bury athletes with Jack Grealish Special Olympics Bury athletes with Jack Grealish (Image: Public)

“Everyone was on form, talking, asking loads of questions, lots of high fives and hugs. It was just a really special day.”

Brazillian goalkeeper Ederson joined in with the fun and gave one of the group members, Nia Leyland, his gloves.

Bury Times: Special Olympics Bury members with Ederson Santana de MoraesSpecial Olympics Bury members with Ederson Santana de Moraes (Image: Public)

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