SO, Word from the WEST
SOWA welcomes, farewells, thanks and congratulates…
October 2013
WA Athletes Soar at State Games 2013 In October of 2013, 160 athletes supported by 120 carers; coaches; officials and volunteers converged on the serene and tranquil surroundings of Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra. The weekend commenced with the Law Enforcement Torch Run supported by 120 WA Police Officers; SOWA athletes and Shire of Murray community members, led by Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan. The Olympic Torch Run followed a 10 kilometre route through the streets of Pinjarra and concluded with the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at Fairbridge Village. With the official proceedings over, the participants sat back to enjoy the harmonious sounds of performers from Akanna Entertainment and the highlight of the night, performer Jonny Taylor.
Over the course of the weekend, athletes competed across 7 sports with 2 skill sessions offered. The State Games saw the launch of 4 new regions in Western Australia, and in addition, the launch of the “Healthy Athlete Program”. Medical clinicians travelled from New Zealand and Sydney to deliver the “Healthy Hearing” discipline and the “Special Smiles” screening. The program was highly successful with 155 athletes tested at the clinics with a wide variety of results determined. In “Special Smiles”, 12.5% of athletes tested received referrals for urgent treatment, and 16.2% of athletes tested at “Healthy Hearing” were referred to specialists for further treatment. With a busy day on Saturday at sports and supporting programs, all athletes, coaches, carers and volunteers were treated to the fun and frivolity of the Mucky Duck Bush Band on the Saturday night. Despite everybody showing signs of exhaustion, there was still enough energy for some heel kicking, thigh slapping and spinning with your partner! The Mucky Duck Bush Band performance was a highlight for everybody as athletes danced with carers; volunteers danced with coaches and regions dance with regions. Fun had by all!! Right: Josef Bandera (SO South-West); Mitchell Griffiths (SO Perth Metro North) led the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run entrance at Fairbridge Village
Special Olympics Western Australia can now be followed on twitter @SpecialO_WA Proudly supported by
SO, Word from the West
October 2013
Thanks to our sponsors and supporters
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Thanks to all of oursponsors supporters The success of the 2013 SOWA State Games is majorly due to the support of our endless and volunteers. Many thanks to everybody for your phenomenal support! for the 2013 Left: Three of the State Games team of Alcoa nurses
Above: Healthy Athlete Program Coordinators: Chavon Livey, Lennon White, Jenine Doherty
Above: Umpires from the Joondalup Junior Referees Association who supported the Basketball
that assisted us over the weekend
Right: WA Police Officers supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run
The 2013 SOWA State Games Opening Ceremony saw the launching of 4 new regions in Western Australia, supporting the long standing region, SO Perth Metro North.
Top Left: SO South-West region Chair: Alex Hamilton Flag Bearers: Jan T; Sam; Leah Top Right: SO Perth Metro South Chair: Yvonne Timson Flag Bearers: Lynnette K: Adam B; Kasey R: Kyran D: Krsna B Left: SO Perth Metro North Chair: Paresh Ghandi Flag Bearers: Ella B; Jasmine S; Kaylene Right: SO Kimberley Chair: Tui Savu Flag Bearers: Helen, Tui and Sami Bottom Left: SO Goldfields Chair: Wayne Johnstone Flag Bearer: Jessica V
SO, Word from the West
October 2013
SOWA Athletes Dominated at the Games AQUATICS
ATHLETICS
BASKETBALL
EQUESTRIAN
SOCCER
SOFTBALL
CRICKET
TENPIN BOWLING
BOCCE
SO, Word from the West
SOWA’s Notice Board
Nominations are now open for the 2014 Variety Scholarships. Do you know a talented young Western Australian who is sick, disadvantaged or has special needs? Every year, the Variety Scholarships are awarded to WA children in need with a gift for the arts, sport and education. By funding specialist tuition and related expenses, the scholarships help young people to overcome adversity and achieve their potential. Scholarships can support a wide range of items and endeavours, including:
Private tuition / coaching Specialist programs Competition fees Uniforms / costumes Musical equipment Materials and other miscellaneous items
October 2013
SO Celebrates 2013 Wednesday 27th November 5.30pm to 7.30pm St George’s College, Mounts Bay Road, Crawley Come and join in the celebrations of Special Olympics WA to acknowledge the achievements of 2013;
2013 Annual State Awards Farewell Asia-Pacific Games Team Graduate ALPs Canberra Centenary Aquatics Championships State of Origin Challenge State Games
Athletes; Coaches; Committee members; Volunteers You are cordially invited to attend the end of year wind up. Please wear your regional uniform and wear your latest medals to showcase your personal achievements in 2013.
Hope to see you there!! 2014 National Games
http://www.variety.org.au/WA/How-we-help-/Variety-futurekids/Scholarships
Please note, applicants must be under the age of 18 years as at 1 January 2014. Applications close on 13 December 2013.
Melbourne, Victoria 20th October – 24th October 2014 Coaches/Assistant Coaches/Officials Expressions of Interest
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 – 28 November, 2013
SOWA are currently seeking nominations from interested parties to support the SOWA team competing at the 2014 National Games. For information packages and nomination forms, go to http://www.specialolympics.com.au/wa
Closing date for nominations - 14 November, 2013
SOWA’s SO, Word from the West Spring Season in Sport
October 2013
Special Olympics Perth Metro South Cricket Program ,
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. Do you want to learn new skills and be part of a team? Have you ever sat and watched the cricket on TV? Well, it is time to get off the couch!! With the support from the WACA and under the guidance of a skilled coach, Special Olympics is launching a new cricket program Corpus Christi College Murdoch Parade, Bateman Wednesday weekly - 5.00pm to 6.00pm $5.00 per week 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
Tapping Primary School 87 St Stephens Cres, Tapping Monday weekly 3.30pm to 5.00pm Athletics WA Stadium 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 DEVELOPING NEW SKILLS ON THE TRACK AND FIELD
SO, Word from the West
October 2013
SOWA Highlights
2013 David Cantoni Medal Recipient Chris Minutillo- SO Perth Metro North 2013 Winner: Chris Minutillo, WA Paralympic Football player, Special Olympics Australia representative. • Chris was one of the founding players for Cockburn City SC in the Equal Footingball Junior League. • He has been the leading goal scorer in all three years and has even played short stints in his own mainstream age competition.
Chris Minutillo with Football West CEO, Peter Hugg at the recent WA Football Award Night held at the Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom
• Chris was selected in the inaugural WA state team for the Paralympic Football Nationals in 2012 and kicked the first historic goal for WA. Chris also represented WA in the 2013 Paralympic Football Nationals and was named WA’s Player of the Tournament, just missing out on the golden boot award after WA was eliminated from the finals, with three goals from four matches. • Chris is also a player with Special Olympics WA, winning the “2012 Special Olympics Perth Metro North Junior Athlete of the Year” and in 2013, Chris was selected to represent Australia in the green and gold at the December “Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games”.
Congratulations to Chris and proud parents Sue and Sav. A huge thanks must also go to Chris’ coach, Gordon Duus on your dedication and passion to coaching.
Proudly printed by: Mr. LUKE SIMPKINS Federal Member for Cowan
DATE
EVENT
SPORTS
VENUE
10th
Everybody’s Game Tournament
Basketball
Basketball WA Stadium
22nd
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
Asia-Pacific Games Opening Ceremony
APG
Newcastle, NSW
ALPs
Supreme Court Gardens
NOVEMBER
28th DECEMBER 1st 3
rd
22
nd
International Day for People with Disabilities IGA Apex Carols by Candlelight