SO, Special Olympics Western Australia
December 2012
Word from the West Junior National Games
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Junior National Games
SOey the Joey, was the Junior National Games mascot, seen here giving the SOWA a ‘high 5’ at the Closing Ceremony at Newcastle NSW.
20 athletes and 9 officials represented SOWA at the recent Junior National Games held in Newcastle, NSW. All competitors returned with a swag of medals. The team experienced competition, skills in soccer, gymnastics and cricket, opening and closing ceremonies and made new friends over the 4 days. The Western Australian basketball team were presented with the Team Spirit Award for competing in the spirit of fair play and displaying a positive attitude. Thanks to Dot Shipard, Head of Delegation for an awesome games.
Top above: Rose Hartley leads the SOWA team in to the stadium at the Opening Ceremony. Top: WA Police Acting Divisional Superintendent John Leembruggen and athlete George Harwood at the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Bottom left: Min Thon Ser on the basketball court. Bottom right: Zac Naake at the long jump. Far Left: Jack Caughey and Damien Davidson excelling at the track & field.
News and Events
December 2012
SO Celebrates
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On O5 December, SOWA celebrated the International Volunteer Day with a reception for athletes, volunteers, families and supporters at the Old Observatory National Heritage building. The evening commenced with the graduation of the Class of 2011/2012 Athlete Leadership Program. Dr. Fiona Wood and Luke Towers presented each mentor and mentor with a year book and departing gift. The farewell of the 2012 Junior National Games team followed with Phil Croot, Variety presenting the athletes and team support with their official team jackets. The Trans-Tasman Tournament games were recognised with Aaron Hewitt reflecting on the successful competition against New Zealand and other Australian states. The evening was capped with the announcement of the State Awards by the Honourable Helen Morton, Minister for Disability Services.
2012 Junior Athlete of the year – Eloise Bolam – Equestrian
2012 Athlete of the Year – Justin de Florencas – Athletics
2012 Volunteer of the Year – Tim Breadmore – Basketball
Athlete Leadership Program
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
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News and Events
December 2012
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2013 Junior Membership State of Origin 2013 3/4/5 May Kalgoorlie, Western Australia
http://clubsonline.dsr.wa.gov.au/kidsport
Special Olympics WA will be extending an invitation to SOSA & SOWA athletes to attend the 2013 State of Origin being held in Kalgoorlie. The annual event will include a weekend of competition; social functions; sightseeing and friendship. Selected athletes will be invited to attend to compete in an individual and a team sport. SPORTS ON OFFER Aquatics Athletics Basketball Cricket Golf Gymnastics Soccer Softball Lawn bowls (offered to tenpin bowlers) Thursday pm: Registration Friday: Goldfields sightseeing tours Friday evening: Opening Ceremony Saturday : Competition Saturday night: Dinner and Disco Sunday : Sport & Closing Ceremony Registration: $250.00 per athlete (Plus travel from Perth)
Renewals for 2013 Special Olympics membership has now been either emailed to you, or will be posted to your home address in November. If your child is a junior and you qualify, the membership could be covered by Kidsport. What are the eligible criteria?
Applicant must be aged 5-18 years. Applicant must have a Health Care Card or Pension Concession Card or be referred by a 'recognised' referral agent. Applicant's primary place of residence must be in the local government area they are applying to Funding will cover the cost of fees to join the nominated sport or recreation club (this may include other related costs as identified by the club.) Maximum of up to $200 per child per calendar year. Fees are only for the nominated registered season. Uniforms
Put the date in your diaries and await more information in coming months……….
SOWA State Games 2013 11/12/13 October Pinjarra, Western Australia The annual State Games weekend will be held in November in the Shire of Murray. The weekend of activity will include sports, initiative courses and Opening and Closing Ceremonies. SPORTS ON OFFER Aquatics Athletics Basketball Cricket Golf Gymnastics Soccer Softball Tenpin Bowling Equestrian The State Games will be the qualifying event for the 2014 National Games being held in Melbourne, Victoria
Put the date in your diaries and await more information in coming months……….
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
Bulletin Board
December 2012
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Perth Metro North Region are seeking new committee members After many years of active service to Special Olympics in WA, the current Perth Metro North Committee is stepping down from their roles at the end of 2012. The pivotal roles that they have maintained have been crucial in the delivery of the sporting programs for our athletes. We are now seeking a new enthusiastic, motivated team to oversee the stable region going in to 2013. The initial team would comprise of a Regional Chair and Regional Sports Coordinator who, with the support of the State Board and State Office will be actively involved in recruiting the remaining members of their Regional Committee. This committee will bring new skills and talents to complement the existing people who have a vast knowledge of Special Olympics Western Australia, its athletes, coaches, volunteers and its history Positions and Disciplines as per Special Olympics Australia Terms of Reference: Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer Athlete Representative Sports Coordinator The proposed SO Perth Metro North will be comprised of members with skill sets from the following sectors: Business and networking skills Finance management or reporting Contacts with generic sports clubs, disability organisations or schools for people with special needs Good IT skills Communication and Public Relations skills Experience in planning and conducting sports activities Other experience and skills beneficial to the operations of Special Olympics in the region. An athlete elected by and representing the athletes of the region A person familiar with intellectual disability A person with sports qualification or coaching accreditation
Please note the urgency of the formation of this new committee. I encourage you to consider your involvement in this committee. For further information, or to nominate, please contact Di Bruce, State Manager at dib@specialolympics.com.au or phone 0410 866 532.
Message From The Chair On behalf of the State Management Board of Special Olympics Western Australia, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of you on your achievements in 2012. Your prowess on the sporting field and your sportsmanship and passion have resulted in many great moments and a growing public profile for Special Olympics Western Australia, an organisation I am extremely proud to be a part of. This is also an opportune time to recognize the enormous contribution of our volunteers, for their participation, patience, empathy and tireless enthusiasm. Without our scores of coaches, assistant coaches, team support, officials, parents and friends, our organisation would not exist. With the year rapidly drawing to a close we will continue to provide and deliver programs in 2013 in a safe and friendly environment. We always seek to ensure that our members discover the skills that allow them to improve their health, develop self-confidence, meet new friends and bring joy to themselves, their families and their community. I urge you to renew your membership in 2013, share your stories of success with your friends and encourage them to join an organisation that embodies acceptance, tolerance, choice and opportunity. I conclude by wishing you all a safe, joyful and meaningful Christmas and I leave you with an inspiring quote to ponder over the break; “All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney
Yours sincerely,
Canon Richard Pengelley Chair Special Olympics Western Australia
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au