4.4.11 | ACT Chair sends a powerful message of why Special Olympics is necessary.
23.02.11 Special Olympics sailing partner promotes the World Games.
Special Olympics ACT is a state branch of Special Olympics Australia, the not-for-profit organisation that supports people with an intellectual disability to achieve their personal best through sport.
14 March 2012 | Special Olympics Australia will host the inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games in 2013.
The games will be held in the NSW town of Newcastle in December 2013, following the announcement that Australia had beaten out strong bids from cities in India and Malaysia.
The event will see Australia welcome more than 1,700 Special Olympics athletes, 600 coaches, 4,000 volunteers, and approximately 200,000 spectators from 25 nations across the Asia Pacific regions, who will compete in a range of sports.
For more information, visit the Asia Pacific Games page.
On the weekend of 13–14 October 2011, Special Olympics hosted a successful multisports competition that also featured the Opening Eyes discipline of the Healthy Athletes Program, which is supported internationally by Lions Club International.
So, Special Olympics ACT were delighted that Vice President Barry Palmer of Lions Club International came to our event, along with Simon Koh, Director of Operations, Special Olympics Asia Pacific to see the Opening Eyes screenings in action.
This was a great opportunity for us to showcase Opening Eyes at a very local level and to offer our partners at Lions Club International the opportunity to meet athletes, clinical directors and volunteer health professionals to see the benefits of their support.
Congratulations to Special Olympics ACT Chairman, Glenn Keys who was recognised as an outstanding volunteer at the annual Thanks Awards
presented by the ACT Department of Sport and Recreation Services. Glenn has held the role of Chairman for several years and on receiving his award he said, ‘This award is clear recognition of the efforts that all staff and volunteers put into the delivery of sport for athletes at Special Olympics. We could not deliver this many sports, for so many athletes across such a large region without their support, dedication and commitment. I am honoured and humbled to be recognised in this way, but hope that every member of Special Olympics ACT feels that they have won this award for their efforts and enthusiasm.’
Special Olympics ACT were delighted to field a basketball and a football team in the inaugural Trans-Tasman Games in New Zealand. In all, 80 Special Olympics athletes from all over Australia participated in the inaugural event. Go to the the Trans-Tasman Tournament web page for photos and results.
Thanks to ACT parliamentarian Mr Steve Dozspot, Shadow Minister for Sport, Recreation and Disability for showing his support for our athletes who competed in the Trans-Tasman Tournament. In parliament, he recognised the fundraising efforts of athletes and supporters by saying, 'My congratulations go to the Special Olympics committee for the work that they have done to support ACT athletes. I was very fortunate to Mr Gary O’Donnell and his son, who were busily collecting money at Calwell on Saturday morning. To Gary O’Donnell and his son and to all the players who will be competing in New Zealand, I wish them all the best.'
Dr Chris Bourke MLA, Member for Ginniderra also spoke fondly of Special Olympics in the Adjournment Debate in the ACT Legislative Assembly following a bocce match with Special Olympics athletes at the launch of the CFMEU partnership. In his speech he said, 'Many Canberrans know from their own experience, sporting activities provide great health benefits. They build social and team skills and, above all, are lots of fun. Participation in sporting activities should be open to all people and Special Olympics ACT region is one organisation that helps people participate. Special Olympics has broken down the barriers to participation by developing a sporting program that meets the needs of athletes with intellectual disabilities and their families.' For a full transcript of his speech go to www.chrisbourke.com.au/speeches
Special Olympics ACT recently joined forces with the Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) in a partnership that is estimated to be worth $100,000 over three years. The financial security this brings to the region will allow for the growth of the local program. In addition, the ACT Government has allocated $18,000 to assist with the expansion of the cricket and swimming programs. Local member, Dr. Chris Bourke MLA and representatives from the CFMEU celebrated with a friendly bocce match against Special Olympics athletes to which Dr. Bourke admitted he was 'outclassed!'.
The Play By The Rules website, supported by our Principal Partner, the Australian Sports Commission has many great resources and tools for volunteers and coaches. Either go to their website direct or go to the Resources For Members section where there is a Play By The Rules category along with other information for members of Special Olympics Australia.
ACT athletes took part in the first official Special Olympics Australia National Winter Games in Perisher in August. View footage from the Opening Ceremony, take a look at the photo gallery, and check out the results at the official National Winter Games page.
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View all Special Olympics ACT photo galleries.
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