THE GAMES ARE DONE!

Thanks for supporting the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Adelaide.
From 16-20 April 2018 1,000 athletes with an intellectual disability competed in 11 sports!

RELIVE THE ACTION!

Video

See all the action and emotion of the Games in this highlights video. Click here to view.

Photos

Relive the action and emotion of the Games in our photo galleries. Click here to view the collection.

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Meet the teams

See the athletes who represented their state in Adelaide! Click here to view.

1,000 athletes

800 volunteers

300+ events

11 sports

8 states/territories

memories that will last a lifetime

The Countdown is on!

7 April 2018

The countdown to the 2018 National Games is officially underway after an event in the heart of Adelaide at Rundle Mall today.

Games supporter Coles led the celebrations by conducting a mini-Olympics event featuring Special Olympics Australia athletes and Games ambassadors, Olympians Sally Hunter and Brett Maher. They also presented a cheque for $50,000 to Games Chairman Jehad Rasheed.

The Flame of Hope made an appearance, with South Australian law enforcement officers and athletes conducting a torch run and lighting the cauldron the symbolise the beginning of the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will run for the next week throughout South Australia.

Damien selected to light Games cauldron

28 March 2018

Special Olympics South Australia athlete Damien Braun has been selected to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony of the National Games!

Damien has been involved in Special Olympics training and competition for over 20 years in his chosen sports of swimming and sailing. He is a veteran of competition, representing South Australia at five National Games since 1998.

As a Special Olympics Athlete Leader, Damien has roles as a volunteer and public speaker at fundraising and public events. He has also been a qualified coach since 2016.

Athlete message

“The National Games will showcase the talents, skills, dedication and achievements of the athletes of Special Olympics Australia. Competitions, like the National Games, mean a lot to athletes. They make them feel valued and gives them a place to belong as part of a team and as part of the worldwide Special Olympics family. Fantastic memories that will stick forever and new friendships that will last a lifetime will be made at these Games. Athletes will be brave in their attempts and will take pride in showing Australia what they can accomplish with understanding and encouragement. Please support us on this exciting journey that will culminate in a fantastic celebration of ability in Adelaide.”

 

Lachlan Woollett, Board Member and athlete

Lachlan from Adelaide has over a decade of success on the sporting field and now he’s leading the way off the field as a Board Member for the Special Olympics Australia National Games. Lachlan is familiar with the thrill of the National Games having competed at two previous Games. He will bring a unique view to the Board as the athlete representative.

Ambassador message

“Special Olympics Australia is a great organisation that makes a difference to the lives of so many people. I'm always inspired by the achievements of athletes and amazed at the skills of my fellow volunteers. I’m pleased to have found a rewarding role at Special Olympics Australia and I’m particularly excited by the National Games in Adelaide where 1,000 sportsmen and women with an intellectual disability will demonstrate their talent and determination in 11 sports, with the support of 900 fantastic volunteers. The Games represent the culmination of four years of training and will be a fantastic celebration of achievement which I encourage everyone to support.”

 

Peter Overton, Ambassador

Peter is one of the most respected and well-known journalists on Australian TV having anchored Nine’s nightly news bulletin since 2009 and topped the ratings since 2011. Peter became the first national Ambassador for Special Olympics Australia in December 2001 and regularly supports and attends competitions and events.