Four Special Olympians from Leicestershire are in Italy for the start of the INAS Global Games.
The Games, which are being staged in Liguria until October 4, are for athletes with a learning disability who are looking to qualify for next year's Paralympics in London.
For one of the county participants, Blaby's Patrick Cox, it is the second major championship this year after the table-tennis player claimed a gold and silver at the Special Olympics World Games in Athens.
Also carrying the county flag are tennis pair Zara Jurenko, of Leicester, and Melton's Thomas Styles.
Completing the quartet is Leicestershire's Jeffrey Jarvis, another table-tennis player.
Swimming and athletics are also part of the Games format.
Nearly half of the travelling contingent are current or former Great Britain Special Olympians.
"This is another opportunity for our athletes to compete at the highest level," said Assistant City Mayor, Coun Piara Singh Clair.
"I know all of them will be eager to do their absolute best with the aim of qualifying for the Paralympics in London next year."
The GB team is led by British, Commonwealth and European 400m runner Verona Elder who said: "They will be vital to gain experience in a highly-pressurised environment."
Official website