by Chris Ord A YOUNG athlete from Sale has triumphantly returned home after winning two gold medals and one bronze medal at the Dwarf Sports Association 21st National Dwarf Games.

James Tranter, who is three years old, competed in the games held in Birmingham last week and achieved first place in the swimming event and the under-6 football as well as getting a bronze medal in the 10m dash.

Proud Mother Marie Tranter, who was there to cheer him on in the three day event said: “It was a brilliant weekend. I’m so proud of James. Most people there said that the under-6s football was the highlight.”

The games are open to athletes from the age of two and this is the second National Dwarf Games that James has competed in, following a silver and bronze medal last year.

The event offers the chance for athletes and families from all over the country to get together.

Marie said: “It’s a big social thing as well there were 500 people there with 200 people competing. Although in the Northwest we do meet up with other families every now and again, it’s good for James to see that there are other people like him and for him to make lots of new friends.”

The National Dwarf Games have been held annually since 1995 with around 180 athletes competing this year.

The event has previously seen the likes of Great Britain's gold medal-winning swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE competing, who was there to open the tournament.