SO, Special Olympics Western Australia Word from the West SOWA Visits Bunbury
Special Olympics Western Australia took to the road in June to deliver a Community Sports-Link Ribbon Day to primary school students in Bunbury. The 45 participants enjoyed the day at the South West Sports Centre which commenced with an Opening Ceremony officiated by Mayor David Smith, and supported by Acting Sergeant Stephanie Smith from the Bunbury Police. The Olympic march, proudly led by students and teachers was a highlight of the day. Volunteers from the South West supported the day in the delivery of Cricket, Basketball and tabloid sports. See you again soon Bunbury!
Joondalup Arena hosts Ribbon Day
Special Olympics WA recently delivered a Ribbon Day at the Joondalup Arena. The 76 students that attended thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to hold the LETR Torch, to learn more about the Olympics and to participate in the 4 sports offered by Basketball WA, Football West, and Cricket Champs delivered. The four participating schools celebrated the Olympic year with an opening ceremony; sports and a performance from local youth group “New Direction”. The day was well supported by WA Police Cadets and staff from Ajilon who manned each sport rotation and appeared to thoroughly enjoying their day out of the office. Thanks Ajilon!
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Left: Belridge ESC students formed part of the Olympic Torch Run
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Football Week 2012 “Football Week” was celebrated for the second year. The partnership between Football West and Special Olympics was embedded further with a week of skill and training sessions. The increase of opportunities for players with disabilities concretes a bright future for potential football stars. The week kicked off with a School Soccer Skills Day with 3 high schools represented. Basic grassroots skills were delivered to all students, with the morning concluding with a fierce game between Kalamunda SHS students. Fantastic! On the following day, the Development Squad commenced the first day of training, with members from SOWA and Paralympics combining P P SOWA Athlete forces. George Harwood The Football Week initiative is driven by Gordon Duus, from Football West. Gordon is passionate about ensuring all interested players receive the opportunity to excel in their sport and participate in a safe and friendly environment. Soccer is the fastest growing sport in Special Olympics with many local, state, national and international competition pathways for all abilities.
Athlete Leadership Program
Above: SOWA member Kevin Phillips takes to the soccer field, whilst Kristy Marsiglia delivers a speech. Below: Students from Kalamunda SHS celebrate success at the School Soccer Skills Day.
Right: Performers from “New Direction” entertained the students and teachers at the Ribbon Day. Telephone (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
Word from the West
Jun 2012
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Message from the Chair Everybody’s Game Carnival
I am writing this short note to wish all athletes, volunteers, parents, board members and supporters of Special Olympics WA all the best. I have only been involved for a year or so, firstly as the ALPS coordinator and now as the Chair, but I have been impressed by the quality, commitment, enthusiasm and kindness of so many people in our organisation. We are very fortunate to have an array of hard working volunteers who help to make the experience of sport such a positive one for our athletes. I encourage you all to continue in your own way to help to consolidate the enormous growth we have been experiencing (largely through our Ribbon and Sports Skills Days). These are exciting times for SOWA so thank you once again for your efforts. Ti
Richard
Basketball WA once again hosted the “Everybody’s Game Carnival” at Basketball WA Stadium. Tim Breadmore, Head Basketball Coach at the SOWA Mirrabooka SHS program, extended the invitation for his players to participate. A great afternoon was had by all with visiting players from Wildcats appearing at the carnival and meeting all the players from the various programs. Well done guys.
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CONGRATULATIONS
Message from the State Manager I am both thrilled and proud to report to you this month with so many images and articles of ongoing activities happening around the sporting arenas in SOWA and partnered sporting clubs. I am struggling to fit all the wonderful stories and messages that our athletes, volunteers, schools, sponsors and supporters are involved in. With a new state office in full production, and my regular volunteers assisting me greatly, we have a big second half of the year planned.. We have State Games planned; Sports Lunch; Awards Nights and the introduction of a new and exciting event called “Special Olympics Muscle Versus Machine” to be held at the 2012 Royal Show in the main arena. Watch this space for details. We have the Trans-Tasman Tournament team of 25 athletes and 10 officials departing in October to compete against our New Zealand neighbours in Athletics, Aquatics, Basketball and Tenpin Bowling. We also have 17 athletes and 8 officials departing in December for Newcastle, NSW to compete at the Special Olympics Australia Junior National Games in Athletics, Aquatics and Basketball. Planning and fundraising is under way for both teams. I would urge everyone to get right behind our teams and fully support any fundraising opportunities that may arise. Another reason for my sense of pride is the great work that is going on around all the programs; the great outcomes that result in the work; the support provided by so many volunteers; and the level of interest to SOWA that is perpetuating from the exposure. Thanks to all.
Congratulations achievements;
to
many
members
for
personal
Lesley Poole – SOWA Athletics Coach for being appointed as Head Coach for Athletes with Disabilities by Athletics WA. Lesley will take interested athletes under her wing to the track and field and train them on all aspects of the sport. Rusty Nelligan – Tracey Roberts, Mayor of Wanneroo recently nominated athlete Rusty Nelligan to sit on the Joondalup Health Campus Community Board of Advice as a result of the work he performs in the community and his experience he has gained on the Athlete Leadership Program. Well done Rusty!
M State u s cGames l e weekend versus Machine” Advertise“ the The inaugural “Special Olympics WA Muscle Versus Machine” event is a challenge of strength between Western Australia’s services community and machinery.
Muscle Machine
The event is to support Special Olympics WA and the ongoing weekly sporting programs and the growth and development of new regions throughout Western Australia. Watch this space in future newsletters for details on how you can be involved!
Saturday 6 October Saturday 6 October 2012 Royal Show 5.30pm – 7.00pm Main Arena Main Arena, Perth Royal ShowRoyal Showgrounds .
Di Bruce Telephone (08) 9321 3207
recent
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
Word from the West
June 2012
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SOWA Soccer Development Squad
Bulletin Board TMA Sports Lunch
Football West has extended an invitation to all Special Olympic WA athlete’s to join Soccer during the winter season. The grassroots program will be a platform to develop skills, gain self-confidence and make new friends with pathways to local, regional, state and international competitions. Gordon Duus, Inclusion Development Officer from Football West, will be coaching the teams and setting goals towards the large number of SO and Football West competition opportunities. Join Special Olympics Western Australia at the 3rd TMA Sports Lunch on the 10th August, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Master of Ceremony, Peter Rowsthorn will walk the guest speaker Adam Gilchrist through an afternoon of fun and friendship. Put a table together or come along and join a table. If you would like to attend the luncheon, contact Di Bruce at dib@specialolympics.com.au or Fran Eustace, Special Olympics Australia at frane@specialolympics.com.au
Volunteer Role
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD DETAILS SQ Saturday 30 June, Saturday 11 August, Saturday 22nd September, Saturday 3rd November Gibbney Reserve, Mephan St, Maylands 11.45am to 12.30pm Come along and join in the team! For any enquiries or to register, contact Gordon Duus at Football West on 9422 6914 or email at gordond@footballwest.com.au
Kingsway Football Club
ATHLETICS ASSISTANT COACH
SOWA are currently looking for interested volunteers to fulfil the following role within the organisation; Due to rising numbers in athletics, an Assistant Coach is required to support the Head Coach on the track and field. The role requires some experience in athletics, however past coaching experience is not crucial. To ensure a quality sports program all of our coaches are accredited by the relevant National Sports Organisation and we can assist with obtaining accreditation. You will need to commit to weekly coaching sessions during the months of July and April, as well as travelling to competition intrastate, interstate or overseas.
Kingsway Football Club is looking for a few more players for our integrated Australian Rules Football Team. Training is on Thursday nights at 6PM at Kingsway with Games approximately every two weeks. They are looking for players of all abilities (they modify the games and rules to ensure everyone gets a fair go) and it is more about participation than anything else. Players must be 14 years or older and older and both boys and girls are welcome. Nothing is needed from the players other than some enthusiasm for Australian Rules Football and there are no fees to pay. For any enquiries, contact Jayson Bennett, President at Kingsway Football Club on 0439 384 442.
For further details, please contact Lesley Poole at Lesley.Poole@Brownesdairy.com.au or Di Bruce on 0410866532 or dib@specialolympics.com.au
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
Word from the West
June 2012
Upcoming events ….
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Special Olympics W.A 2012 State Games
Multi Sports Term 3 Showcase
Aquatics, Equestrian, Softball, Therapy Focus, City of Stirling and Special Olympics Western Australia are putting together a 10 week sports program for kids to come along, try a bit of everything and hopefully enrol in a program of their favourite sport! Basketball, Gymnastics, Athletics and Soccer will be delivered by Special Olympic coaches. Commencing: Monday 23rd of July Time: 5:00 – 5:45 pm Venue: Stirling Leisure Centre Address: Belvedere Rd, Hamersley WA 6022 Cost: $5 per week
Athletics, Soccer, Gymnastics,
Saturday 29th September / Sunday 30th September Landsdale Farm School, Darch Please note that the 2012 State Games will be qualifying events for the 2013 Asia Pacific Games and the 2013 Canberra Centenary Swimming Competition. Place the dates in your diaries and watch this space for information in the upcoming months. 2013 Asia Pacific Games
Please RSVP to Adam Kelly or Phoebe Joyce P: 9478 9500 E: adam.kelly@therapyfocus.org.au or
phoebe.joyce@therapyfocus.org.au
Junior Gym Skills Day
Earlier this year Special Olympics Australia announced that Newcastle, Australia had won the bid to host the Inaugural Asia Pacific Games in December 2013. Australia will be sending a team with athletes competing in the following sports: Athletics, Aquatics, Basketball, Football and Tenpin Bowling.
We will be holding a ‘come n try’ day for boys and girls aged between 6 years and 12 years of age, regardless of ability or experience. The aim of the Special Olympics Junior Gymnasts Skills Day is to learn new skills, have fun, gain confidence and make new friends in a supportive environment with children of a similar ability.
Athletes from across Australia will be selected from State games that have been identified as qualifying events. In Western Australia they are: Basketball – 2nd November, 2012 Tenpin Bowling – 10th November, 2012 Football, Athletics, Aquatics – 29/30 September 2012 Selection Criteria for Asia Pacific games will be;
Saturday 28 July 11.00am to 12.15pm PCYC, 450 Rokeby Road, Subiaco $12.00
All registered members are eligible for selection Must be over the age of 16 for selection Records reflecting ongoing training and competition and registered on our data base Results from the nominated qualifying events
Weekly programme commences the following week For enquiries, phone Rose Hartley on 0410441521
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Information relating to the upcoming games will be made available in future newsletters
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
Word from the West
June 2012
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Special Olympics Perth Metro North presents the
2012 Annual Awards Night Saturday 21st July 6.30pm to 10.30pm Kingsway Football & Sporting Club Hartman Drive, Madeley $30 per person
To book tickets, phone 9309 4003 or see your sports coordinator, before Saturday 14th July. No door sales.
I am proud to represent and provide a strong voice for the people of the Cowan electorate in the Federal Parliament. As your local member I believe that it is vital that I am active and engaged with you and our community so I can continue fighting on the issues that affect our community. I encourage you to contact me any time, so please do not hesitate to call my office on (08) 9409 4100 or email me personally at luke.simpkins.mp@aph.gov.au . I look forward to meeting you out and about in the electorate. Luke.
UN
UNIFORM NOTICE If you have any uniforms from the 2010 National Games held in Adelaide and would like to pass them on to future travelling team members, please contact Genine Hunter on 9309 4003. They will go to a good home!!!
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Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
2012 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WESTERN AUSTRALIA CALENDAR JULY to SEPTEMBER SOWA Calendar PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY LUKE SIMPKINS MP Federal Member for Cowan,
JULY 3rd July State Board 23rd July Golf 28th July Gymnastics
Board Meeting Lessons Junior Gymnastics Skills Day
Sirona Capital, Level 2, 7 Havelock St, West Perth Marangaroo Golf Course PCYC Subiaco
AUGUST 4/5 August Tenpin Bowling TBA Athletics
Regional Championships Training resumes
Junior National Games Camp Lessons
Bunbury Athletics WA Stadium Sirona Capital, Level 2, 7 Havelock St, West Perth Hyatt Regency Challenge Stadium Gibbney Reserve Maylands 11.45am to 12.30pm Pt. Walter Recreation Camp Marangaroo Golf Course
9th August State Board
Board Meeting
Training Session - guest speakers
St Georges College
Everybody’s Game Basketball Tournament
Perry Lakes
Paralympic Games
London
10th August State Board 11th August Aquatics
TMA Sports Lunch WADSA State Championships
11th August Soccer
Development Squad Training
11th/12th Aug Multi Sports 13th August Golf Athlete Leadership 25th August Program 26th August Basketball 29th Aug to 9th Sept
SEPTEMBER 6th Sept 7th Sept 7th Sept 14th Sept
Multi Sports Multi Sports Golf Cricket
Ribbon Day Ribbon Day WADSA Challenge Skills Day
Ribbon Day
Santa Maria College Midvale Melville Golf Course Joondalup Sirona Capital, Level 2, 7 Havelock St, West Perth Craigie Leisure Centre Gibbney Reserve Maylands 11.45am to 12.30pm Endeavour Education Support Centre
SOWA State Games
Landsdale Farm School
18th Sept State Board
Board Meeting
19th Sept Aquatics
Time Trials
22nd Sept Soccer
Development Squad Training
25th Sept Multi Sports 29th to 30th Multi Sports Sept
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au