SO, Special Olympics Western Australia Word from the West State of Origin 2012
The annual State of Origin Challenge was recently held in Adelaide and hosted by SOSA. A team of competitors from aquatics, athletics and equestrian represented Western Australia proudly. The weekend commenced with an Opening Ceremony and included a Law Enforcement Torch Run. Our Kalgoorlie competitors arrived in Adelaide a few days earlier to enjoy the sights and familiarise themselves with their surroundings. They were joined two days later by their Perth metropolitan athletes. The team bonded well and new friendships were made. The results from the weekend;
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SO Vic State Games 2012 Over a weekend in May, the SO Vic State Games were held in Melbourne. A team of SOWA Softballers were invited to participate and took up the challenge to meet with their friendly rivals from Victoria and Tasmania. After weeks of preparation, the team boarded the flight to Melbourne, pumped and determined to bring back the Gold. With a large number of attendees at the Games, and an impressive Opening Ceremony, the SOWA Softball team fought hard throughout the weekend. The grand final saw WA and Tasmania compete and our team proudly brought the coveted gold medal home. Thanks to SOVic for the invitation. Fantastic!P P Peter Gilham
Equestrian 3 gold / 4 silver / 3 bronze / 3/4th 2/5th 1/6th Athletics 6 gold / 6 silver / 2 bronze / 9 /4th 3 / 5th Aquatics 3 gold / 7 silver / 5 bronze / 4/4th Many thanks to Special Olympics South Australia for their continued support to the State of Origin Challenge. See you next year!
Malibu Primary School visit
Athlete Leadership Program Softballers celebrate a weekend of competition and friendship
Special Olympics WA recently delivered a skills session at Malibu Primary School. The 30 students that attended thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to hold the LETR Torch, to learn more about the Olympics and to participate in the 6 tabloid skills that Michael Snart, SOWA Volunteer and ECU Joondalup student delivered. The school, located in Safety Bay is an inspirational school, largely supported by the Western Australian Navy. The surroundings of the school were amazing with a cafĂŠ, fully equipped gym, serene garden, bicycle course and kitchen for the students to gain life skills in. Thanks to Malibu PS for the opportunity.
Flag bearers, Rusty Nelligan and Peter Harman lead the SOWA team in to the Opening Ceremony of the SOVic Games.
Telephone (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
Word from the West
May 2012
Message from the State Manager
SOWA Bulletin Board
I would like to acknowledge our two travelling teams; the State of Origin competitors and the softballers who recently competed at their respective games. From all reports, our athlete’s represented Western Australia with the spirit and comradery that we pride ourselves on. A huge congratulation to all competitors, and thanks to all the coaches, volunteers and organisers of the events. Over the next few months, our Trans-Tasman Tournament athletes and Junior National Games athletes will be madly fundraising and preparing for their games. With a large contingent representing Western Australia, I believe all members from Special Olympics Western Australia need to get behind them and support them in any way they can. I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the junior programs that are evolving within the various sports and the partnerships that are being established with industry agencies. In particular, Therapy Focus who is running a multi-sport program in Term 3 and showcasing SOWA sports that we deliver. Thanks Therapy Focus.
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Expressions of Interest
Trans Tasman Tournament Officials Selection As a result of recent increase in athletes quotas, a need for an Assistant Athletics Coach and Athletics Team official are required to be filled. The games between the two nations are for athletes 15 years of age and over, and WA will be participating in the following sports;
Basketball Athletics Tenpin Bowling
The games will be commencing on Monday 8th October and finish on Friday 12th October.
Di Bruce Parliament House Tour
If you are a registered volunteer of Special and are interested in attending, contact Development Manager, Di dib@specialolympics.com.au to receive documentation.
Olympics WA, SOWA State Bruce on the relevant
Volunteer Roles
SOWA are currently looking for interested volunteers to fulfil the following roles within the organisation;
SOWA Board member, Andrea Mitchell MLA recently hosted the WA Athlete Leadership Program at Parliament House and gained useful insight into the workings of a Minister. Guided through Parliament by Andrea, a Member for the Legislative Assembly, the athletes and their mentors had the opportunity to ask questions and experience how parliament operates. After light refreshments and once the bell had rung notifying the Politicians that they were to be in chamber, the athletes and their mentors were able to sit in on speeches in the Lower and the Upper House. Questions were asked and answered and a fun, educational night was had by all. Many thanks to Andrea for inviting us! ALPS member, Dylan Coop and ALPs coordinator Luke Towers at Parliament House
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
BASKETBALL HEAD COACH The Joondalup program currently hosts 35 players at the Joondalup Arena venue on a Friday night. We are seeking a Head Coach to run our basketball program. The volunteer role would be supported by a large number of assistant coaches and volunteers. The role requires some experience playing/coaching/officiating in basketball. 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 our terms between March and November, as well as travelling to competition intrastate, interstate or overseas. For Expressions of Interest, please contact SOWA State Development Manager, Di Bruce on dib@specialolympics.com.au to receive the relevant documentation.
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Word from the West
May 2012
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SOWA Soccer Development Squad
Bulletin Board TMA Sports Lunch Join Special Olympics Western Australia at the 3rd TMA Sports Lunch on the 10th August, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. We are putting FUN back in to FUNdraising at this year’s event, with Peter Rowsthorn (Brett in ‘Kath and Kim’ fame) as our Master of Ceremony, plus Adam Gilchrist (Australian Cricket Legend) as the guest speaker. 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
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. DEVELOPMENT SQUAD DETAILS SQ Saturday 9 June Gibbney Reserve, Mephan St, Maylands 10.30am Registration, 10.45am Training 11.35am Special O / Para / ALPs Unified Match 12.30pm Concludes FREE EVENT Come along and join us for a fun filled day of activity Phone Di Bruce on 0410 866 532 for any enquiries
Kingsway Football Club Kingsway Football Club is looking for a few more players For any enquiries or to register, contact Gordon Duus at Football for our integrated Australian Rules Football Team. West on 9422 6914 or email at gordond@footballwest.com.au 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. Junior Gym Skills Day
COR R EC TI ON Please note your records that the information published last month was the wrong telephone and fax numbers. Details of the head office are as follows; Suite 4/1321 Hay St, West Perth, WA, 6005 PO Box 207, Woodvale, WA, 6026 Telephone: (08) 9321 3207 Fax: (08) 9321 0138 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au Telephone (08) 9321 3207
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. Saturday 28 July 11.00am to 12.15pm PCYC, 450 Rokeby Road, Subiaco $12.00 Weekly programme commences the following week For enquiries, phone Rose Hartley on 0410441521
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
2012 SPECIAL OLYMPICS WESTERN AUSTRALIA CALENDAR JUNE to AUGUST SOWA Calendar PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY LUKE SIMPKINS MP Federal Member for Cowan,
JUNE 1st June
State Board
Ribbon Day
South West Sports Centre, Bunbury
5th June
Soccer
AFFFA Launch Day - North of the River
Gibbney Reserve Maylands
7th June
Soccer
AFFFA Launch Day - South of the River
8th June
Soccer
9th June
Soccer
Soccer Schools Skills Day Special O Development Squad Skills PLUS Special O Unified Match
TBA Herb Graham Rec Ctr, Mirrabooka 9.30am – 12.30pm Gibbney Reserve Maylands 10.30am & 11.35am
10th June
Basketball
Everybodys Game Basketball Tournament
Perry Lakes
9th June - 10th June
Equestrian
Coaches training weekend
Fairbridge
22nd June
State Board
Ribbon Day
30th June
Soccer
Development Squad Training
Arena Joondalup Gibbney Reserve Maylands 11.35am to 12.40pm
JULY Board Meeting
Sirona Capital, Level 2, 7 Havelock St, West Perth 6.30pm
Perth Metro Annual Awards Night
Kingsway Sport Complex
Golf
Lessons
rd
Therapy Focus Multi Sport
SOWA Showcase
Marangaroo Golf Course Hamersley Rec Centre, Warwick 5.00pm – 5.45pm
th
Gymnastics
Junior Gymnasts Skills Day
PCYC Subiaco
3rd July
State Board
st
21
23rd July 23 28
AUGUST 9th August
State Board
Board Meeting
Sirona Capital, Level 2, 7 Havelock St, West P
4/5 August
Tenpin Bowling
Regional Championships
Bunbury
10th August
State Board
TMA Sports Lunch
Hyatt Regency
11th August
Aquatics
WADSA State Championships
11th August
Soccer
SOWA Development Squad Training
Challenge Stadium Gibbney Reserve Maylands 11.35am to 12.40pm
Junior National Games
Junior National Games Camp
TBA
13th August
Golf
Lessons
Marangaroo Golf Course
21st August
Athletics
Season recommences
Athletics WA Stadium
25th August
Athlete Leadership Program
St Georges College
26th August
Basketball
Training Session - guest speakers Everybody’s Game Basketball Tournament
11th/12th August
Telephone (08) 9321 3207
Perry Lakes
Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au