Seven Leicestershire competitors have been selected to represent Great Britain in Athens at next summer's Special Olympic World Games.

Patrick Cox, 15, will be a member of the table tennis squad having won gold in last year's National Games in Leicester.

Kellie Brabham will be taking part in the judo on the back of her gold medal from the Cardiff International Event.

Christina Lewis has been named in the swimming line-up.

Lewis trains four times a week and won two golds and two silvers in the National Games.

Christine Durrance has competed in equestrian events for 13 years and has also been selected for the Games in Athens, which take place from June 19 to July 5, 2011.

Durrance was in fine form with two golds and a silver in the National Games.

Three Leicestershire players – Lee Penfold, 28, Tom Taylor, 17, and Christopher Southwell, 17 – have been selected for the basketball team.

Penfold is an ambassador for Special Olympics Great Britain.

He has won one gold and two silvers in his previous three Games.

Taylor and Southwell have already competed in one National Games and were members of the basketball team who won silver.

In addition, Leicestershire's Roger Sharpe has been named as assistant coach for the basketball team.

Angela Morley, secretary for Special Olympics East Midlands, said: "We're all very proud of the athletes and we think it's a great achievement by them all.

"They have all worked so hard in training and they deserve all the recognition that they get.

"They all did so well in the National Games last year in Leicester, winning numerous medals. They're definitely ready for the step-up and deserve this opportunity to represent Great Britain in Athens."

The cost of the trip is £2,000 per competitors.

They are hoping to raise the money through fund-raising, donations and support from local businesses.

For further information, log on to the website:

www.sogb.org.uk