SO, Word from the WEST
SOWA welcomes, farewells, thanks and congratulates…
August 2013
SOWA represented in TV campaign In August 2013, Special Olympics Australia supported one athlete from every state and territory to travel to Sydney to be part of a Team Australia promotional campaign. The campaign is designed to support donations to athletes who will represent Australia at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games. Darren Reilly was our WA hero and he will represent Australia in football. Despite having never been on a plane before, Darren flew solo to Sydney to support the organisation and share the experience with 7 other athletes from around Australia. His story was filmed by people with a disability through a partnership between Special Olympics Australia, Taste Media and Bus Stop Films. The online campaign kicks off on 23 September 2013. This is what Sharon Nixon, National Manager of Communications+Brand at Special Olympics Australia had to say about our local champion
‘Giving up a weekend, to spend time filming with Special Olympics athletes was awesome! I felt truly honoured to host a Team Australia representative from across the country. Darren from WA was a fantastic team member. He’s a quiet man, with a positive attitude and he is training hard for the Games. He represented WA extremely well in Sydney. Darren is a friendly guy and a committed athlete. I wish him great success in Newcastle where I hope to catch up with him again.’
To donate to our team, go to www.specialolympics.com.au and click the Donate to Team Australia banner.
Right: Darren Reilly in front of the Sydney Harbour Bridge during his recent visit to Sydney
Special Olympics Western Australia can now be followed on twitter @SpecialO_WA Proudly supported by
SO, Word from the West
August 2013
SO Perth Metro North
Everybody’s Game Tournament August
The latest basketball tournament held in August was well represented this month with two teams from Perth Metro North. Tanya and Sam led the Joondalup team in competition, whilst Tim and Heather coached the Mirrabooka SHS team.
SO Perth Metro South The Southlake program coached by Liz Noordhoek played their inaugural match at the Everybody’s Game Tournament. Attendance at the tournament was an enormous feat for the team who has been training hard to compete on the day. Way to go achievement.
Well done teams!
WADSA Aquatic Championships
Swimmers from our Craigie Leisure Centre program; Superfins program and from the Goldfields Disabled Sports Association converged in the pool at Challenge Stadium to compete at the WADSA Aquatics Swimming Championships. With personal bests achieved and medals awarded, the swimmers represented SOWA with pride and good sportsmanship. The training continues throughout the year in the lead up to the State Games and the Asia-Pacific Games. .
guys!
Awesome
SO, Word from the West
August 2013
Apex Foundation & WA Australian Civilian Widows Trust acknowledge Asia-Pacific Team The Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games team recently attended a function hosted by Andrea Mitchell MLA at Parliament House. The occasion was to acknowledge a recent pledge from the WA Australian Civil Widows Trust and Apex Foundation to the team. State Chair Richard Pengelley, team members and officials represented Special Olympics WA at Parliament House, and used the opportunity to personally meet Kate Huth, Apex WA President, Jan Roberts and Moya Streek, WA Australian Widows Trust directors, and to thank them for the support. The pledge will assist the team to meet their targets and to participate at the upcoming Games being held in Newcastle in December. A huge thanks to Apex and the Widows for their very generous donation.
TMA Sports Lunch 2013
The 4th TMA Sports Lunch was held recently at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. With the support from national partner TMA, the luncheon was organized to raise funds for Special Olympics and to create public awareness of the work that Special Olympics WA does in the community.
The theme for the day was “Battle of the Codes�, with a panel of sporting personalities debating the age old argument. Jamie Harnwell (Glory), Dean Cox (Eagles), John Sackson (Western Pirates) and Matt Hodgson (Western Force) were led by MC Steve Mills in the debate. SOWA Athlete Geoffrey Holloway and mentor Greg Turner addressed the guests and shared their experiences of Special Olympics. Well done guys. The 2014 National Games was a hot topic when presented with our team quota for the games. There was plenty of The coaches/managers/committee members/team support volunteers of SOWA Volunteer excitement in the room when it was noted that SOWA will be recently attended a training day at Department of Sport & Recreation. The day was Training well represented with 25 people in attendance and gave our volunteers a great opportunity to learn; share ideas and plan for future programs and events. Day
The newly formed regions and sports programs were all represented on the day. The 2014 National Games was a hot topic when presented with our team quota for the games. There was plenty of excitement in the room when it was noted that SOWA will be represented by 89 athletes across 10 sports. With lots of enthusiasm riding on the success of the day, the intent is to continue the up-skilling of volunteers within WA to ensure a quality pool of volunteers overseeing the care and wellbeing of our members.
SO, Word from the West
August 2013
Justin Langer hits ALPs for six! The Athlete Leadership Program mentors and mentees were treated recently to another awesome opportunity. At the training session in August, the guest speaker was Australian cricket legend, Mr Justin Langer. Justin shared so many stories of his cricket journey; his mentors that helped shaped his career and his highs and lows. He was extremely inspirational and our athletes and University students learnt a great deal from his visit and inspire to follow his lead. Thanks Justin!!
2013 SOWA State Games Update
2013 State Games Celebration Community Concert
The Opening events and ceremonies for the SOWA 2013 State Games is shaping up to be a phenomenal extravaganza. The Friday afternoon will commence with a 10 kilometre Law Enforcement Torch Run through the streets of Pinjarra with the support from the WA Police. The torch run will be followed by the official Opening Ceremony, followed by a Community barbeque and a Celebration Concert. The concert will feature state and local performers. The 2 days of competition; sports; Healthy Athlete Program; Mucky Duck Bush Band and more promises to be an awesome weekend.
Softball Season 2013/14 Special Olympics WA are looking for current and new players to join the Softball program. Commencing Sunday 8th September Sunday weekly 10am to midday John Maloney Reserve, Marangaroo For enquiries or to register, contact Brooke Galupo on 0448 606131 or email at butter_fly_97@hotmail.com
SOWA’s SO, Word from the West Spring Season in Sport
August 2013
Special Olympics Perth Metro North Golf Program
The Golf Program’s 4th term lessons will commence on:
Monday: 30th September (8 weeks only) MARANGAROO GOLF COURSE, Aylesford Drive, 4pm to 5pm The cost for each session will be $10.00
Dates to remember: 4th TERM: September: 30th October: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, November: 4th, 11th, 18th, Each lesson will run for 1 hour under the supervision of a professional golf coach New players wanting to learn all about the game, develop skills and make friends are encouraged to participate To register or for further information, please contact: Lindsay Murphy: 0438 411 804 lmurphyatstanley@bigpond.com or Margaret Bush: 0403 313582 mjbush@internode.on.net
Athletics Season 2013/14 Come along and join in on the fun of Athletics. Learn new skills on the track and field; make new friends and strive for personal bests! Under the guidance of skilled and accredited coaches, Special Olympics WA are offering two programs in the upcoming 2013/14 season. Tapping Primary School Commencing Tuesday 10 September 87 St Stephens Cres, Tapping Tuesday weekly 4.30pm to 5.30pm Athletics WA Stadium Commencing soon 100 Stephenson Ave, Mt Claremont Tuesday weekly 5.00pm to 6.00pm For further enquiries, or to register your interest, contact (08) 9321 3207 or email dib@specialolympics.com.au or visit website; www.specialolympics.com.au
COME ALONG AND COME ALONG AND JOIN IN ON THE FUN OF
SO, Word from the West
August 2013 Proudly printed by: Mr. LUKE SIMPKINS Federal Member for Cowan
DATE
EVENT
SPORTS
VENUE
WADSA Golf Tournament
Golf
Melville Glades
SEPTEMBER 6th 12
th
Community Sports-Link Cricket Skills
Cricket
Mandurah
17th
Board Meeting
SOWA Board
SOWA State Office
19th
Community Sports-Link Cricket Carnival Day
Cricket
WACA
22nd
EKS Day – First Aid Training
Volunteers
DSR
11/12/13
SOWA State Games
ALL
Pinjarra
19/20
Telethon
22nd
Board Meeting
SOWA Board
SOWA State Office
Community Sports-Link Ribbon Day
Multi-Sport
Kwinana Recquatic Centre
OCTOBER
31
st
NOVEMBER 17th
Everybody’s Game Tournament
Basketball
Basketball WA Stadium
22
nd
Community Sports-Link Ribbon Day
Multi-Sport
Joondalup Arena
26
th
Board Meeting
SOWA Board
SOWA State Office
27
th
SO Celebrates
ALL
TBA
Asia-Pacific Games Team Depart
APG
Newcastle, NSW
1st
Asia-Pacific Games Opening Ceremony
APG
Newcastle, NSW
3rd
International Day for People with Disabilities
22nd
IGA Apex Carols by Candlelight
ALPs
Supreme Court Gardens
28th
DECEMBER