SO, Word from the WEST
SOWA Farewells the year of 2013…
December 2013
SOWA Chair’s 2013 Christmas Message
SOWA Chair, Canon Richard Pengelley
“I write to you all in this season of celebration with a sense of great pride for another excellent year at SOWA. We have expanded from 1 to 5 regions; held one our most successful State Games ever; introduced new sports; continued our weekly activities and competitions and grown our partnerships, without which we wouldn’t be able to offer such a wide range of services. As I write, we have a large contingent competing at the inaugural Asia Pacific Games in Newcastle. It has been an exciting year. None of this would happen without our army of family members and volunteers; a committed State Board; growing regional Boards; and our wonderful State Development Manager, Di Bruce, and her team in the state office. Di has just resigned after 4 dynamic years in the position and it is due to her drive, vision and energy that we have 5 regions today and such an excellent relationship with the National Office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank her and her incredibly supportive family for doing such an amazing job. Finally, I would like to wish you all a safe, restful and joyful Christmas. For some, it will be a spiritual time. For others it is a time to take a bit of a break from the demands of life throughout the rest of the year. For others, a chance to stop, reflect and set a few goals for next year. But for all of us, may it be a time to enjoy family, friends and the joy of giving and receiving. Thank you to all of you who give so much of your time and talents to make SOWA such a fine organisation”.
To view our Thank You message to our sponsors, and to see the State Games Highlights, go to; http://www.specialolympics.com.au/wa/archive/
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Special Olympics Western Australia can now be followed on twitter @SpecialO_WA Proudly supported by
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“SO Celebrates 2013”
Thanks to all of supporters St George’s College, Crawley hosted the second “SO Celebrates 2013” event on a our balmy evening in November. The event was an occasion to celebrate the following; for the 2013 Athlete Leadership Program Graduation Asia-Pacific Games Farewell SOWA Promotional video SOWA State Games Highlights Annual State Awards State Games
Above: Equestrian coaches Jenny Loftus and Julie Nicholson
Above: Tom and Bianca Joyce with coaches Dot Shipard and Brooke Galupo
The tranquil setting of St George’s College was an ideal location for athletes, volunteers, families to mingle and share the stories from the year. Athlete Leadership Program members Andrea Penny and Eloise Bolam were the Master’s of Ceremonies for the evening and walked the crowd through the highlights of another highly successful year for SOWA. The Asia-Pacific Games contingent of 30 athletes and 9 officials from SOWA congregated on the lawns, excited with anticipation for their flight the next day to Newcastle, and the prospects of representing their country and bringing back medals. The pinnacle of the night was the announcement of the annual State Awards. Congratulations to all award recipients.
Congratulations to all recipients of the Special Olympics Western Australia 2013 Annual Awards; Junior Athlete of the Year Jasmine Steiner – Equestrian Runner Up Junior Athlete of the Year Jake Parotte - Bball / Aquatics Runner up Junior Athlete Jake Parrotte with SOWA Board member Mark Dodd and Young Australian of the Year, Akram Azimi
Athlete of the Year Bronwyn Russell – Softball Volunteer of the Year Heather Tonkin Basketball Mirrabooka SHS
Nominee Athlete of the Year, Peter Furnell with winner Bronwyn Russell and SOWA Board member Mark Dodd and Akram Azimi
Volunteer of the Year nominees, Jenny Loftus; Heather Tonkin, Gordon Duus with SOWA Board member Mark Dodd and Young Australian of the Year, Akram Azimi
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SOWA Athletes Dominated at Asia-Pacific Games For more images and results of SOWA competitors, go to http://specialolympicsasiapacgames2013.com/en
Community Sports-Link Program Joondalup Arena Ninety seven students from Mt Hawthorn ESC; Burbridge ESC; Carson Street; Roseworth ESC and Cloverdale ESC participated at the final Community Sports-Link Program day for the year, held at the Joondalup Arena. Sports on offer included cricket, football, aquatics and athletics. The day was a buzz of activity with rotations spreading from the basketball court, through to the grass areas to the lap pools in the aquatics arena.
SOWA’s Notice Board
2014 National Games SOWA are currently overseeing the selection process of athlete and volunteers to attend the National Games. With the upcoming Christmas period, the process will recommence in mid-January with the final team anticipated to be announced in February.
2014 Athlete Leadership Program Nominations for athletes to participate in the 2014 ALPs program will open soon. Regardless if you are metro or regionally based, if you are 16 years and over and wish to participate in the development program, go to http://www.specialolympics.com.au/alps/ for information and to http://www.specialolympics.com.au/wa for nomination forms. Closing date for nominations – 31 December, 2013
State Office Closure Dates The SOWA office will be closed from Friday 19 December 2013 and reopening on Monday 13 January 2014.
2014 Membership Renewals Special Olympics Australia have introduced a new and easy renewal system for current members. Renewal forms for current members will be forwarded in December / January for completion.
SOWA’s Summer Season in Sport
Special Olympics Herne Hill Cricket Program
Aged 16 & Over? Come & Join our NEW Cricket Program! Not only is this program is an awesome way to make new friends & learn new skills, it is also provides a continuance for Cricket Champs players with pathways to regional, state and international platforms! Cricket sessions run Monday weekly 4.30pm to 6.00pm commencing 2nd February, 2014 at the Swan Athletic Cricket Club, McDonald St, Herne Hill
NEW Softball Program in 2014 Come along and join in on the fun of Softball. Learn new skills on the diamond; make new friends and be part of a team! Under the guidance of skilled and accredited coaches, Special Olympics WA are offering a NEW program to complement the current program in the 2014 season. Hopbush Park, Southlakes Wednesday weekly 5.30pm to 7.00pm Commencing Wednesday 5 February Waltham Reserve, Morley Sunday weekly 10.00am to midday Recommencing on 19 January
Swan Athletic Cricket Club Contact: Angelo 0466 973 683 Email: angelo.spadano@bigpond.com
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 AD COME ALONG AND JOIN IN ON THE FUN OF DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS ON THE TRACK AND FIELD