A GREENOCK teenage football star has returned home a hero after firing his side to the final stages of the Special Olympics.

Seventeen-year-old Andre Roe was a bronze medalist at the games in Sheffield and won praise for his performances on the big stage.

The striker, whose talent was first spotted at school, scored four times for Scotland West as they finished third in the tournament.

Andre is one of several local athletes who made the cut for the Special Olympics and won medals.

Scotland West team manager Gordon McCormack, who has been involved in disability sport for 40 years, has high hopes for Andre in the game. 

Star frontman Andre said: “I loved the whole experience.
“It felt good to be part of the team.

“My favourite moment was scoring a goal from 20 yards.

“It was a great feeling and the atmosphere was brilliant.”

Andre, who left Craigmarloch School and now works at the Victoria Harbour, started training with the Scotland West side last year.

The Greenock youngster joined hundreds of athletes for the games in Yorkshire and his former teachers at Craigmarloch and support workers travelled south to cheer him on.

Head coach Gordon was delighted with Andre’s standout performances and believes he has a bright future.

He said: “This is an international event and Andre did very well.

“He showed great commitment.

“Now he is part of the set up and will take part in our football leagues.

“This is just the beginning.”

The former chairman of Scottish Disability Sports also praised Inverclyde’s contribution to the games, and says the area has led the way for others to follow in disabilty sport.

He said: “Inverclyde has a great tradition, with great swimming clubs like the Port Glasgow Otters.

“There’s also the likes of Paralympians Maggie McEleny and Kenny Cairns, both prolific medallists, as well as coach Eddie McCluskey who has provided an incredible service.”