Norma has given thousands of hours of her own time for almost 40 years to champion sporting opportunities for Sandwell people with intellectual and learning disabilities.
In 1983, Norma helped set up Special Olympics Sandwell and since then, it’s been an integral part of Sandwell’s voluntary and community sector.
The group plays a pivotal role in improving the health and wellbeing of people of all ages across Sandwell.
Norma says: “I have been organising sporting and leisure activities for almost 40 years. Exciting but exhausting!
“I was thrilled and so very excited to be accepted for this accolade and although I am rather nervous I know that I have the support of my club who wish to turn out in their Sandwell sports kit to wave and cheer me on as I carry the Baton down Cradley Heath High Street.”
Sandwell Council’s Public Health Team nominated Norma to carry the baton. They said: “Norma Hyde has been an inspirational, visionary and passionate leader, giving thousands of hours including arranging specialist transport for participants to access weekly sessions and taking participants to competitions across the country.
“The life enhancing experiences the participants get with the accompanying mental, physical, social and emotional benefits for their well-being are immeasurable.”
Find out more about our incredible day when the Queen’s Baton Relay came to Sandwell!
