29/08/2026
We couldn’t be more thrilled to share some very special news with our wonderful Iwerne Minster community…
Jake has won GOLD at the Special Olympics! 🥇🥇🥇
When we held our quiz evening at The Talbot, it was all about supporting Jake and Sam, who had both been selected to take part in the Special Olympics in Birmingham.
We knew how much this opportunity meant to them, but also that getting there came with a significant financial challenge. So we asked our amazing Iwerne Minster community to get behind them — and, as always, you didn’t disappoint. ❤️
You turned up, joined in the quiz, bought raffle tickets, donated generously and helped us raise funds towards Jake and Sam’s journey.
What an incredible achievement! We are absolutely delighted for Jake and everyone who has supported him throughout his swimming journey. To see him achieve his dream after all the hard work, dedication and determination is just fantastic. ❤️
A heartfelt THANK YOU to every single person who supported our quiz evening and helped us raise money for these two amazing young men. Your generosity helped give Jake and Sam the opportunity to travel to Birmingham and represent themselves doing something they love.
It makes us incredibly proud to know that our little village came together to support their dreams.
From all of us at The Talbot, we are so proud to have played a small part in their journey. ❤️
BREAKING: Shaftesbury Swimmer, 22-year-old Jake Binns has got gold at the Special Olympics games in Birmingham, for the 25m butterfly. Jake won't get his medal until tomorrow, so we'll hold back on posting any more so Jake can have his proper and deserved moment-of-victory interview, whilst wearing his well-earned medal. This picture is the silver Jake was awarded this morning. Well done Jake-and coach Lorah - Shaftesbury is proud of you.