Promoting Abilities
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By the athletes – for the athletes
More than just sports
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pecial Olympics has been providing sports training, competition, and socialising opportunities for intellectually challenged athletes in Whangarei and the Kaipara District for almost 40 years. We are also committed to giving our athletes opportunities to experience leadership, to develop and use their initiative, to act as coaches, and to truly play an active part in the running of their own club. Our mantra, By the athletes, for the athletes, means exactly that. We are encouraging all our athletes to take little leadership opportunities at training and during competition and not merely follow blindly. At our National Summer Games in December this year two experienced athletes will actually attend as coaches. As far as we know this is a ‘first’ for Special Olympics New Zealand wide, and we’re hoping it will inspire other capable athletes in our club to step up as well. Potentially we can cater for people from 8 to 80 years, but some of our older participants come to training for mainly social reasons and do not enter competitions, however the outing and the subsequent exercise is definitely beneficial Unlike most sports groups, we are multi sport. At present we provide weekly training opportunities in athletics, football, swimming, indoor bowls, and tenpin bowling. People joining us can take part in any, or all of our sports for the one small subscription. A handful of our members participate in 3 or 4 activities each week
A group of committed volunteers help us to provide activities in Whangarei and Dargaville for around 60 people who would normally be sidelined in mainstream competitive sports. Should you wish to join us as a volunteer, because you will be working with vulnerable people, you will need a current police clearance, which we can arrange. We also ask that, should you volunteer, that you stand back and mentor rather than taking charge.
Sporting and recreation opportunities for persons with an Intellectual impairment We are multisport athletics: equestrian, football, indoor bowls, swimming and tenpin bowling Athletes from 8 to 80 years old Developing self esteem — encouraging initiative Activities developed by the athletes, for the athletes
Interested parents, athletes, prospective volunteers, or volunteer drivers please contact our chairperson: Martin Barrie Phone: 021 118 2422
DOUG THE DIGGER
loves working in the Community assisting people with disabilities Proud patron of
Special Olympics Whangarei For all enquires contact Martin Barrie Phone: 021 118 2422 – Like us on Facebook.
Whangarei
