TWO South Ayrshire tennis stars have sealed their places with the Team GB heading to the Special Olympics World Games next year.

Frances Smiley, from Prestwick and Jack Dickson, from Troon, will be heading to Abu Dhabi to face other athletes from 177 countries.

Jack (20) and Frances (19) teamed up to secure gold medals in the Mixed Doubles at the National Games in Sheffield, where they competed as part of the Scotland (West) team. 

Their results have since earned them the place with Team GB.

Jack, said: “The whole Sheffield experience was fantastic. 

“The opening ceremony took place at Sheffield United’s stadium, with Tony Hadley singing, and to win two gold medals was obviously brilliant.

“When I found out I was selected for Team GB, I was so excited. I was jumping about! I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi, I’m really excited to be going.”

Frances, added: “I’m really looking forward to the experience and can’t wait to meet up with the team in Abu Dhabi.

“I really enjoy the team atmosphere of the Games.”

The Games will open on March 14 for seven days of competing in 24 sports, including; badminton, basketball, beach volleyball, bocce, handball, table tennis, tennis and volleyball as well as racing in athletics, cycling, open water swimming and sailing.

Judged competitions include equestrian, judo, artistic gymnasts and rhythmic gymnastics and rounding out the list of sports are bowling, football, golf and powerlifting.

An estimated 7000 athletes will descend on the capital of the UAE with their 2,600 coaches and Abu Dhabi itself is expected to have around 500,000 spectators for the sporting spectacle.

The Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Zayed Sports City, NYU Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Campus Center, The Abu Dhabi Yacht and Sailing Club, YAS Marina Circuit, The Khalifa International Bowling Centre, Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and The Saadiyat Golf Club will be the hosts to the many sports taking place throughout the Special Olympics.

Doreen Tait, Essential Skills lecturer at Ayrshire College, commented: “We are incredibly proud of Jack and Frances for earning their spots on Team GB.

“Considering the six-person team is made up of the best players in Scotland, England and Wales, it is a remarkable achievement.

“They should be very proud of themselves.”