Meet Our Aussie Champions From 1-7 December 2013, 400 champions with an intellectual disability will give their personal best for Australia at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games. A
Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games 1-7 December 2013 | Newcastle NSW Australia
2,000 athletes 5,000 volunteers 32+ countries 9 sports 400 Aussie champions
Support Team Australia On 1 December 2013, 400 Australian athletes with an intellectual disability will march into the stadium in Newcastle, NSW to represent our country at the inaugural Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games. For the next week they will wear the green and gold with pride in front of family, friends and fans as they compete against 2,000 athletes from over 32 countries. This will be the largest multi-sports event for people with an intellectual disability ever held in Australia. The athletes of Team Australia have trained hard with their volunteer coaches to have this opportunity to share their determination, courage and sporting talent. Now they are working hard to fundraise the $2,400 needed to get to the Games. You can help them achieve this dream with a tax-deductible donation. For inspiration on why to donate just read what each of the 400 athletes of Team Australia shared with us about what Special Olympics means to them, what being part of Team Australia has made them feel or their dreams for the future.
Donations can be made at www.specialolympics.com.au
Pictured: Keiran Corry is looking forward to swimming for Australia in front of family and friends in his home town. Photo: News Australia.
1
Aquatics Aaron Martin
Ashley-Kate Schlenner
Bradley Doolan
Claire Pearson
Genice McNally
Joselyn Evans
Keiran Corry
Special Olympics has made me more confident in sport and life.
I am very proud to be swimming for Australia and I hope to win a gold medal.
I can’t wait to represent Australia and do my family proud.
I am very excited. This makes me want to train harder for my country.
Special Olympics has allowed me to swim and I am getting married in 2014!
All my hard work has paid off and I will now compete for Australia in my home town.
Special Olympics has given me a reason to stay healthy and active because I always want to be fit for the next competition.
Sydney West NSW
Brisbane West QLD
Melbourne West VIC
Sydney South NSW
Canberra ACT
Sunshine Coast QLD
Hunter Valley NSW
Adam Knust
Belinda Prince
Brendan Borger
Colin Marks
Geoffrey Kirby
Joshua Kennedy
Kim Flannigan
Special Olympics has given me many opportunities. I hope that I can win a medal.
Special Olympics has taught me to try new things and do my best.
I am excited to be part of an Australian Team. Last time I was on the team I met Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
This is fantastic. I can’t wait for the Games to begin!
I am very happy to have been chosen in Team Australia and I will give it my best shot!
I love Special Olympics because I get fit and look good!
I am looking forward to swimming against people from different countries.
Gladstone QLD
Hunter Valley NSW
Tweed NSW
Brisbane North QLD
Hunter Valley NSW
Ballarat VIC
Adelaide North SA
Alannah McKeown
Belinda Willett
Brendan Foley
Deana Horvat
Jaymee-Leigh Upton
Joshua Paine-Bell
Kimberley Tomkins
I am happy and proud to swim for Australia and I hope I will get some medals.
I am going to improve my swimming and be the best I can at the Games.
Special Olympics gives me opportunities to compete at all levels and to compete in my comfort zone.
Special Olympics makes me feel like I’m worthy.
I will wear the green and gold proudly and I’d like to make the team for the 2015 Games in Los Angeles.
I am very happy. I will swim my races and get better.
I’m so excited that I keep crying with joy! I will train by swimming, walking my dogs, dancing and eating healthy.
Ovens & Murray VIC
Brisbane North QLD
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Melbourne West VIC
Echuca Campaspe VIC
Blue Mountains NSW
Andrew Waller
Ben Morrison
Caitlin Kerby
Elizabeth Claydon
Jocelyn Blows
Kasey Reynolds
Kyle Henderson
This is fantastic! It is unbelievable!
My grandfather told me to never give up. I lost my grandparents in the Victorian bushfires. I will be doing my best for them in Newcastle.
I am very proud to be swimming for Australia.
I love swimming and now I can be on an Australian team like Thorpie!
I’m excited to be competing in swimming.
Special Olympics allows me to enter competitions like normal people do.
It hasn’t sunk in yet, but my family are very proud of me. What an honour to wear the colours of my country in front of my family.
Adelaide South SA
Melbourne North VIC
Brisbane North QLD
Brisbane East QLD
Westernport VIC
Perth Metro North WA
Katrina Hughes, Australian Champion
2
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
Moreton North QLD
Ashley Emerson
Blake Veaney
Casey Petrie
Erin Gumbleton
Jordan Brown
Kate O’Donnell
Laura Williamson
I am very proud to be representing Australia.
This is excellent. I am very excited and a little bit proud.
I feel very proud and emotional about being on the team.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I can’t wait for mum and dad to watch me swim for Australia.
Thank you Special Olympics for giving me the chance to participate in sport. Being on this team is a dream.
Special Olympics has helped me achieve goals. One day I want to work with children with special needs to help them achieve theirs.
Central Coast NSW
‘At the Games I am going to run as fast as I can.’
Sydney East NSW
Perth Metro North WA
Echuca Campaspe VIC
Echuca Campaspe VIC
Hunter Valley NSW
Bradley Bettens
Christopher McMahon
Garth Perry
Jordan Overs
I look forward to competing with people of similar ability.
Thank you Special Olympics for helping me achieve a life goal to represent Australia.
Special Olympics keeps me fit.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am nervous and proud. I want to swim fast for my family and I can’t wait to get my cool uniform!
Adelaide South SA
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Barwon VIC
Ashley Tyler Riverland SA
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Sunshine Coast QLD
‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ Athlete Oath ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
3
Aquatics (Continued)
Athletics
Lisa Reid
Ranon Holstein
Taku Ikeda
Tiffany Smith
Alexander Davis
Carley Chapman
Isabella-Kate Bellert
Justin De Florencas
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
It is an honour to be chosen to represent your country.
I have worked very hard to be selected on this team, so I am very, very proud.
I am very happy to be representing my country. Thanks Special Olympics.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Special Olympics has improved my life because I have made lots of friends.
It makes me feel great to know I will wear the green and gold because I am a proud Australian.
Special Olympics has taught me to never be afraid to follow your dreams and enjoy life. We only get one.
Melbourne Eastern Ranges VIC
Hunter Valley NSW
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Brisbane North QLD
Sydney West NSW
Central Coast NSW
Fraser Coast QLD
Perth Metro North WA
Lucy Dumitrescu
Ruby Lawler
Tara Smith
Trent Loveridge
Alexander Shepherd
David Robinson
Jacqueline Wischer
Justin McLaren
I like everything about Special Olympics.
The moment I opened my letter saying I had been selected to represent Australia I was so excited.
Every week Special Olympics gives me the chance to swim and have fun.
I am going to do my best for my country.
It’s fantastic to be selected for athletics, but I’m much better at swimming.
I am excited to be going away to compete with friends and the team.
It’s very exciting to know I am going to be part of such a big event.
I am going to try and do my personal best in all of my events.
Sydney Upper North Shore NSW
Gladstone QLD
Bendigo VIC
Melbourne West VIC
Central Coast NSW
Westernport VIC
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Melboune West VIC
Lyndall Datson
Ryan McGrane
Taylor Anderton
Tristan Finnen
Amanda Stevens
Eleanor Boylen
Jasmine Williams
Kai Armstrong
Special Olympics has made me stronger and given me confidence.
I am very proud and hope I do well.
I can’t wait to hear the cheers when I’m in the pool.
My proudest moment at Special Olympics was receiving my letter to tell me I had been selected for Team Australia.
This is the first time that I will represent Australia and I am very proud to be given this opportunity.
Special Olympics allows me to compete against people like me.
This is amazing. I promise I will do my best.
Special Olympics has given me the opportunity to travel and meet lots of people like me.
Adelaide South SA
Barwon VIC
Gold Coast QLD
Hunter Valley NSW
Sydney South NSW
South Coast QLD
Gold Coast QLD
Melissa Jarvis
Sara Brazier
Teila Bulmer
Tryphena Nicolai
Ann-Marie Williamson
Erin Wood
Jason Dodson
Katrina Hughes
I have swum so hard to get into this competition. It is the next best thing to the Olympics.
Because of Special Olympics I can do whatever I put my mind to.
This has made me so happy, but if I could have anything I would like to be able to read.
I am excited that my family can come to the Games and watch me compete.
At the Games I am going to run as fast as I can.
Wow, this is such an honour. I hope to be able share a little bit of Australia with the other athletes!
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Special Olympics gives me something to look forward to all the time and swimming helps to keep me fit.
Hunter Valley NSW
Hunter Valley NSW
Hunter Valley NSW
Adelaide North SA
Macarthur NSW
Perth Metro North WA
Westernport VIC
Westerport VIC
Mitchell Carlin
Sarah Wildermuth
Tessa Howie
Zac Telfer
Bradley Turner
Gemma Berry
Jessica Ridley
Kimberley Langton
I am very excited to be part of Team Australia. All my hard work has been worth it.
I am looking forward to being part of a team with my friends.
At Special Olympics I enjoy regular training and meeting new friends.
I’m looking forward to my family watching me swim for Australia.
I like Special Olympics because I get to do sport without being left out.
I can’t wait to show Australia what I can do even though I have a disability.
I love every part of Special Olympics. I love to run and I love to win.
It is great to be able to compete for my country in Australia. We will be a great team.
Brooke McGrath
Geoffrey Cotter
Jessica Te Ngaio
Kleo Charnas
I can’t wait to represent Australia. I have been training hard.
This is awesome!
Because of Special Olympics I now know I can achieve really well.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Central Coast NSW
Moreton North QLD
Sunshine Coast QLD
Brisbane North QLD
Peter Furnell
Scott Callender
Special Olympics has helped me make friends and be healthy.
I am excited and I can’t wait to have lots of people watch me swim.
Perth Metro North WA
Adelaide North SA
4
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
‘I have worked very hard to be selected on this team, so I am very, very proud.’ Taku Ikeda
Perth Metro North WA
Macarthur NSW
Melbourne West VIC
Gympie QLD
Macarthur NSW
Perth Metro North WA
Gympie QLD
North West New England NSW
ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
5
Athletics (Continued)
Basketball
Kristin Mercer
Marcus Lovell
Peter Harman
Shaun Goldsmith
Arron Fitzpatrick
Carla Robb
Daniel Harrowell
This will be very exciting and provide greater exposure and awareness of Special Olympics in Australia.
I love Special Olympics. It’s like family. It has changed my life and makes me feel like a champion.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
This is my first international games and it's in my home town! Thanks Special Olympics.
I really enjoy Special Olympics and one day I really want to get a house.
I can't believe it. I am so excited and can't wait for the Opening Ceremony.
Liam McAtackney
Matthew Pascoe
Rebecca King
Shaun McKee
Beau Lawson
Christopher Willers
Daniel Johnston
I am proud and honoured to be playing for Australia.
I can’t wait to show everyone what I can do. I will do my best.
I love Special Olympics. It’s my life and the best thing I have ever done.
Special Olympics has taught me to accept others for who they are.
I love having this opportunity to compete.
At Special Olympics I make good friends and get good exercise.
I feel very proud right now.
Lisa Adamson
Matthew Rieck
Robert Onley
Taylor Doyle
Ben Crane
Claudia Jackson
Darcy Guest
This will give me a chance to compete in the sport that I love.
Because of Special Olympics I have grown to enjoy playing sport instead of sitting in front of the television.
Special Olympics gives me the chance to compete against athletes of the same ability and that is important.
At the Games I will be just like other Australian athletes and my family will be able to watch me.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am very excited to be playing basketball for Australia for the first time.
I love sport and one day I would like to be a sports commentator.
Louise Whait
Michelle Cotter
Samantha Grant
Travis Becker
Ben Holt
Con Gouras
David Baulch
One day I would love to become a famous writer.
This is awesome. I am speechless.
I like Special Olympics because it is fun and there is no pressure.
Because of Special Olympics I am known for my sporting achievements and people cheer me on.
At Special Olympics everyone is accepting of different people and I love when people I don't know come up to me to chat.
Special Olympics is good because it makes me fitter.
I am very excited to be chosen to represent Australia in basketball.
Sydney South NSW
Perth Metro North WA
Perth Metro North WA
Perth Metro North WA
Barwon VIC
Moreton North QLD
Gympie QLD
Gympie QLD
Gympie QLD
Macarthur NSW
Gympie QLD
Sydney West NSW
Moreton North QLD
Sydney West NSW
Macarthur NSW
Hunter Valley NSW
Flinders NSW
Sydney Northern NSW
Barwon VIC
Gold Coast QLD
Perth Metro North WA
Hunter Valley NSW
Adelaide South SA
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Adelaide South SA
Dandenong Valley VIC
Barwon VIC
Luke Rout
Paul Bowmaker
Scott Duncan
Trent Lawson
Bradley Kinross
Dada Polubinski
David Campion
I am excited and honoured to represent Australia at these Games.
I love athletics and can’t wait to compete in Newcastle.
One day I want to assist elderly people.
I'm really proud and I just want to keep playing for Australia.
Special Olympics gives me a social outlet.
I want to win gold in Newcastle.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Caitlin Blay
Dane Pritchard
Dean Jones
It will be a whole new experience to try and win for Australia.
This is awesome, the best feeling ever.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Central West NSW
Sydney South NSW
Peter Gilford
I want to be a good sportsperson and work in a sport shop or club.
This is a great reward for all of my training. I have been training with Special Olympics since 1984.
Flinders NSW
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
Sydney West NSW
Flinders NSW
Adelaide South SA
Canberra ACT
Canberra ACT
Michael van Wilgenburg Melbourne West VIC
6
Goldfields WA
‘Because of Special Olympics I am known for my sporting achievements and people cheer me on.’ Travis Becker
South Coast NSW
Illawarra NSW
Canberra ACT
ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
‘I am very proud to have this opportunity to represent my country again.’ Rebecca Sargeant, Australian Champion
7
Basketball (Continued) Dean Pallier
Hannah Sandeman
Jesica DiSalvo
Katie Williams
Kylie Yates
Laurie Masterson
Michael Baines
Nicholas Bruin
I will be a role model for younger kids.
I am overwhelmed to be part of Team Australia and really happy that I have come this far.
I am very proud of myself!
When I walk into that stadium I will be smiling from ear to ear.
Special Olympics has made me more independent and responsible.
I am proud to be part of the Australian basketball team.
I am thrilled and anxious to represent my country.
This seems like a dream.
Central West NSW
Flinders NSW
Sydney East NSW
Adelaide South SA
Gold Coast QLD
South Coast NSW
Melbourne Southern VIC
Dandenong Valley VIC
Ellen Leechman
Harrison Werner
Jonathan Reiss
Keelan Crawford
Kyra Corsini
Lee Towers
Michael Karseboom
Nicole Bartley
Special Olympics helps me learn new skills.
I feel really, really proud and my family and friends are proud of me too.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I want to be a positive role model for my indigenous people.
This makes me feel proud, happy and joyous.
I am very, very proud to have the chance to play for Australia.
Special Olympics has made me a better person and I can't wait to compete in my home town.
Special Olympics makes me feel proud to be an Australian athlete and it keeps me busy!
Emma Mangan
James Maxwell
Joshua Smith
Keenan Georg-Dent
Lachlan Woollett
Lorraine Archer
Michael Wren
Prairie Maughan
I'm very lucky to represent Australia. I'm honoured and a little nervous.
I am pretty excited.
This has given me a great big smile.
It's amazing that I will be able to compete with so many talented people.
I am excited to play basketball again for Australia and I'm looking forward to meeting many people from other countries.
It will be fantastic to wear the Australian uniform again.
I am really excited. It will be great to wear the green and gold.
This means my training has paid off and hopefully I can have more of a role helping in Special Olympics.
Canberra ACT
Barwon VIC
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Adelaide South SA
Sydney Upper North Shore NSW
Sydney South NSW
Central West NSW
Canberra ACT
Hunter Valley NSW
Sydney Upper North Shore NSW
Adelaide Hills/Fleurieu SA
Adelaide South SA
Hunter Valley NSW
Brisbane North QLD
Sydney Southern NSW
Melbourne Southern VIC
Frances Wellard
James Myers
Joshua Tekema
Kevin-James Phillips
Laura Hester
Madison Howard-Windley
Nadia Procter
Rebecca Chinchen
I like what I do, but to meet a famous player would be cool.
You cannot wipe the grin off my face. To be able to represent my country is unbelievable!
If I could have anything in the world I would want everyone to be nice to each other.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
At Special Olympics we are all equal.
I love Special Olympics for accepting people for who they are.
Special Olympics has made me confident and proud, and one day I hope to be like my sister and get a good job.
I am so excited. I never thought this would happen to me. Special Olympics makes me feel like a winner.
Ballarat VIC
Gippsland VIC
Sydney Upper North Shore NSW
Perth Metro North WA
Adelaide North SA
South Coast NSW
Adelaide South SA
Brisbane West QLD
Grant Francis
Jasmine Crewdson
Juanita Wooden
Krystel Pugsley
Lauren Chester
Mark Jensen
Natasha Bade
Rebecca Sargeant
I am looking forward to competing for my country, meeting new people and making new friends.
I like Special Olympics because it gives me a fair go!
To know I will represent my country is the greatest feeling in the world.
I can't wait to go on a plane again and see new things.
I like Special Olympics because I can play the sports that I like. It's fun.
This is so exciting and I can't wait to play with some of my friends.
I am very excited to be able to travel to Newcastle to play basketball for my country.
I am very proud to have this opportunity to represent my country again.
Illawarra NSW
Adelaide North SA
Adelaide Hills/Fleurieu SA
Adelaide Hills/Fleurieu SA
Brisbane West QLD
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Barwon VIC
Adelaide South SA
Gregory Carstens
Jed McFadzean
Katie Stewart
Krystelle Lloyd
Lauren Packham
Max Milsom
Nebojsa Stanojlovic
Samuel Crease
I feel proud and I will be a great ambassador for our country.
My favourite moment at Special Olympics was winning gold at the State Games. Now I get to compete for my country.
One day I want to be a famous basketballer.
I want to get the first goal for the team.
I am very proud and happy to be selected for my country.
Sport is my favourite thing. I love being in a team and being around lots of people, especially when they are cheering.
It makes me feel proud that I'll wear the colours of my country for the first time.
Playing basketball has improved my life and one day I want to own my own business.
Perth Metro North WA
Gippsland VIC
8
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
Gold Coast QLD
Echuca Campaspe VIC
Adelaide South SA
Sydney East NSW
Illawarra NSW
Adelaide SA
ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
9
Basketball (Continued)
Bocce
Sara Reid
Siena Boland
Tammy Straw
Alan Poole
Christopher Hansen
Deanna Avery
Jessica Cutner
Marissa Turner
I like Special Olympics because I make friends and I have an awesome coach.
I can't wait to see the smile and joy an everyone's faces.
I want to be in the newspaper.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Special Olympics has given me an extremely wide circle of friends.
I am very, very excited and overwhelmed.
I will be trying my best for Australia.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Brisbane East QLD
Central West NSW
Mackay QLD
Ovens & Murray VIC
Melbourne North VIC
Macarthur NSW
Macarthur NSW
Melbourne Eastern Ranges VIC
Scott Seidl
Simon Parkes
Timothy Walsh
Amanda King
Christopher McMahon
Donna West
Jim Aarsse
Matthew Etherton
I can't believe I am going to wear the green and gold for Australia.
I love being part of Special Olympics and this is an unbelievable opportunity.
This is something I never thought I would be able to do. I am excited and I thank my coaches.
This is awesome, words can’t explain!
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Everyone at Special Olympics is very friendly and helpful to each other.
Special Olympics has given me a chance to do what I want play sport. It has changed my life completely.
Sydney South NSW
Sydney East NSW
Illawarra NSW
Gympie QLD
Melbourne Inner East VIC
North TAS
Sunshine Coast QLD
Macarthur NSW
Shane Monks
Skye Nielsen-Vold
Tracey Northcott
Barry Jones
Clark Hampton
Doug Beattie
Kate Dermody
Meagan LeLay
I have always wanted to play basketball for Australia. This is a dream come true.
I am very excited and looking forward to playing for Australia.
I am really looking forward to this historic occasion.
I love playing bocce and being with all my friends.
Being part of Team Australia means a lot to me.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Special Olympics has given me opportunities I never thought I’d have. This will be my first time representing my country.
I can’t wait to represent Australia for the first time and meet other athletes.
Illawarra NSW
Gippsland VIC
Perth Metro North WA
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Gold Coast QLD
Flinders NSW
Flinders NSW
Brisbane East QLD
Sherree Kelly
Stephen Sked
Wayne Kinross
Bradley Falconer
Courtenay Smith
Emma Nelson
Katrina Delaney
Melissa Theochari
I would like to thank Special Olympics for giving me this fantastic opportunity. I feel very proud.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
This is great. I also want to be on the team for the World Games in 2015.
Special Olympics keeps me busy and I enjoy spending time with my team and coaches.
I like Special Olympics because I can play different sports, make friends and I am accepted by people.
This is my first time representing my country and I feel really proud.
I am looking forward to having fun representing my country.
Special Olympics has given me many new friends, including a husband and we will both be competing in Newcastle.
Perth Metro North WA
Perth Metro North WA
Adelaide South SA
Canberra ACT
Canberra ACT
Macarthur NSW
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Shobana Segaran
Tahlia Henson
West McKinnon
Brian Fincato
David Green
Ian Johns
Kelliane Ludbey
Michael Donoghue
Special Olympics lets me play sport just like any other.
I can't believe this! When I touch my Australian uniform I will have tears in my eyes.
Special Olympics has given me confidence and I am looking forward to meeting other players with the same sporting spirit.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Special Olympics makes me happy because I am around people with similar disabilities.
I look forward to playing bocce for Australia.
I like Special Olympics because everyone accepts me for who I am. They do not judge me on my disability.
Special Olympics has made me more confident and provided opportunities to go on trips with my friends.
Brisbane West QLD
Illawarra NSW
Illawarra NSW
Flinders NSW
Canberra ACT
Melbourne Inner East VIC
‘I can’t believe this! When I touch my Australian uniform I will have tears in my eyes.’ Tahlia Henson 10
Echuca Campaspe VIC
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
Echuca Campaspe VIC
Canberra ACT
Cameron Chance
David Stewart
Jenna Clarke
Lisa McKerlie
Nicole Hampton
I am very, very excited to be able to represent Australia. How amazing!
I am so proud and excited.
I love competing and I have achieved my goal to represent Australia.
I am hoping to move out of home soon and live by myself or with a friend.
Special Olympics has taught me how to swim better and stay fit.
Flinders NSW
Brisbane North QLD
Brisbane East QLD
Flinders NSW
Melbourne Eastern Ranges VIC
ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
11
Bocce (Continued)
Cricket
Rose Croxford
Tom Aitken
Aaron Wood
Cameron Fraser
Gareth Donohue
Matthew Streeting
Peter Sweeney
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
One day I am going to get a job and have my own flat.
My dream to play cricket for Australia has come true.
I feel very privileged to be selected to represent Australia for the first time.
I am beyond excited. When I received my letter I did not stop smiling, and my brother is also on the team. Dad and Mum are so proud.
I will try my hardest to win, but if I don’t I will have fun.
This is very exciting and the first time I will get to play cricket at a major Special Olympics event.
Ovens & Murray VIC
Brisbane East QLD
Brisbane North QLD
Sydney South NSW
Flinders NSW
Brisbane West QLD
Gympie QLD
Sandy-Lee Caruana
Tony Paola
Alex Baker
Craig Hropic-Mitchell
Harry Langford
Mitchell James
Praveen Weerasooriya
This is my first time to represent Australia and I’m excited because I’m very patriotic.
I feel very proud…just like the Wallabies.
I am extremely privileged to be representing my country in my favourite sport.
I’m proud to be playing for Australia.
I thank Special Olympics for all of the opportunities it has given me.
The chance to play tennis for Australia is amazing. One day I hope to teach tennis to other special athletes.
Special Olympics brings happiness to my life.
Central Coast NSW
Melbourne Eastern VIC
Brisbane West QLD
South Coast NSW
Upper North Shore NSW
Moreton North QLD
Brisbane West QLD
Stephen Rooney
Vicki Dighton
Benjamin Haack
Cusharyl Kermode
Ian Hodges
Nathaniel Quan
Robert Stott
I am excited to meet athletes from other countries.
At Special Olympics I feel like I belong and I always wear my uniform with pride.
Special Olympics has given me a life.
At Special Olympics I get out there, try new things and meet lots of new people.
I met my best friend and many other friends at Special Olympics. Thanks.
It means a lot to me to represent Australia. It has been a dream for many years.
I feel very proud and honoured to wear the green and gold for Australia. I hope we will get a baggy green cap too.
Brisbane East QLD
Dandenong Valley VIC
Gold Coast QLD
South Coast NSW
Moreton North QLD
Sydney Upper North Shore NSW
Central Coast NSW
Stuart Gorton
Victoria Jackson
Brett Bottle
David Rutherford
James Rossiter
Peter Secomb
Stephen O’May
I am happy and excited to be picked for the team.
Special Olympics has helped me to be independent and gain skills for life.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
At the Games athletes from lots of countries will be able to share their dreams together.
I feel on top of the world!
I am very happy to be playing cricket for Australia.
Tara Heit
Callum Shute
Drew Robinson
Jason Nelson
I can’t wait to get my Australian uniform and I hope to win some medals.
Special Olympics has made me believe in myself.
Special Olympics has given me the chance to feel really special.
It is important to me to be a true friend and encourage my teammates.
Brisbane North QLD
Canberra ACT
Brisbane North QLD
South Coast NSW
Gympie QLD
Flinders NSW
Brisbane West QLD
‘One day I am going to get a job and have my own flat.’ Tom Aitken, Australian Champion
12
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
‘At Special Olympics I feel like I belong and I always wear my uniform with pride.’ Vicki Dighton
Moreton North QLD
Central Coast NSW
Gympie QLD
Macarthur NSW
Cameron Brazier
Edward Smith
Matthew Edwards
I can’t wait to play sport. One day I would like to be a soccer coach.
I love playing cricket and it is just a dream to represent Australia. I’m fired up to do my best.
This will be just as good as playing cricket for Special Olympics at Don Bradman Oval.
Brisbane West QLD
Sydney South NSW
South Coast NSW
‘I am beyond excited. When I received my letter I did not stop smiling.’ Matthew Streeting ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
13
Football Aaron Bartlett
Angus Crowe
Bradley Skipper
Chantel Farmer
Darren Reilly
Jack Norris
Jarrod Lantry
Liam Mackie
I’m honoured to be given the chance to represent my country.
Special Olympics is fun, exciting and makes me happy.
Special Olympics lets me play sport like my brothers and sisters. I have told everyone about it.
I was surprised to make the team, but really, really excited.
I love playing soccer with Special Olympics.
I’m excited because I have never competed in such a major event before.
I am extremely proud and happy.
Special Olympics has helped me with my anxiety. On my first day I didn’t want to play, but I did because my coach was so welcoming.
Hunter Valley NSW
Canberra ACT
Brisbane West QLD
Canberra ACT
Perth Metro North WA
Brisbane West QLD
Hunter Valley NSW
Sydney South NSW
Adam Blair
Anthony Camilleri
Bradley Southwell
Christopher Minutillo
David Gibbs
Jake Gibson
Jason Blackadder
Liam O’Donnell
I will do the best that I can to make Australia proud of the special people in the world.
I feel like a hero. I am very honoured.
One day I want to be a professional football player.
This is going to make me feel really happy!
At weekly training I wear a green and gold uniform for Special Olympics Hunter Valley, but I can’t wait to wear the green and gold for Australia!
This is AWESOMMMEE!!!!
I am telling everyone that I am going to play football for Australia.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Perth Metro North WA
Canberra ACT
Sydney South NSW
Perth Metro North WA
Hunter Valley NSW
Gippsland VIC
Sydney South NSW
Canberra ACT
Adam Davison
Ashby Gardiner-Garden
Brenton Heslehurst
Christopher Rane
George Harwood
Jake Horvath-White
Jason Kappler
Lucas Kennedy
Because of Special Olympics I don’t just sit at home feeling bored. Playing football and basketball has helped with my fitness.
I am extremely excited to be competing at the Games against lots of people from other countries.
This is fantastic and I feel very proud.
I can’t explain the emotion I feel to know that I will represent Australia, the greatest country in the world!
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I like Special Olympics because of the sports that it offers.
Thanks for selecting me. I feel very proud.
When I am not working, I am training hard and looking forward to the Games.
Moreton North QLD
Canberra ACT
Brisbane North QLD
Gold Coast QLD
Perth Metro North WA
Sydney Inner West NSW
Perth Metro North WA
Hunter Valley NSW
Adrian Araya
Ben Harrop
Brigitte Cook
Craig Muhlbock
Hayden Claessens
Jamal Seiler
Jordan Cabrita
Luke Forster
I am proud to be on the team. This will be a new challenge.
I am very excited. In fact I am on top of the world.
I am representing Australia!
I feel proud. This is something special.
I’m really excited and pleased that I got picked.
It has been a dream since I was a boy to play soccer for Australia.
I am getting much better at soccer. One day I would love to be a palaeontologist.
It makes me feel very proud to have the opportunity to represent Australia again.
Canberra ACT
South Coast NSW
Sydney Upper North Shore NSW
Sydney South NSW
Perth WA
Limestone Coast SA
Central Coast NSW
Aidan Vergano
Brad Perrin
Brodie Wegener
Damien Donnelly
Hayden Weir
James Duncan
Joshua Maddeford
Lynette Kinrade
Special Olympics means a lot to me. It makes me get out and play sport.
I wish I could play sport for a living.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I love going away, meeting new people and competing.
Through Special Olympics I have got to know more people and developed more confidence.
Special Olympics has made me more confident. I can now meet and enjoy other people.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am looking forward to meeting new people.
Canberra ACT
Central Coast NSW
Riverland SA
Moreton North QLD
Brisbane West QLD
Brisbane North QLD
Adelaide South SA
Perth Metro North WA
Amechai Bawden
Bradley Rowe
Cameron Fyfe
Dane Palmer
Isaac Harmer
James Stokes
Kingslee Smith
Mark Chalmers
I want to do my best at the Games and put Mt Gambier on the map.
I can’t wait to play football for Australia in my home town.
Special Olympics has improved my life by allowing me to be myself and encouraging me to be self reliant.
It’s a massive honour to represent my country and because it’s on home soil it’s even better. I have worked my butt off for this!!
It makes me feel estactic to know I am going to represent my country.
I want to score a goal for my team and for Australia.
When I wear the green and gold for Australia I will hold my head up high.
If I could do anything in the world, I would choose to help others.
Limestone Coast SA
14
Gold Coast QLD
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
Hunter Valley NSW
Sydney South NSW
Gold Coast QLD
Brisbane West QLD
Brisbane West QLD
Brisbane West QLD
Hunter Valley NSW
ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
15
Football (Continued)
Table Tennis
Tenpin Bowling
Matt Downham
Mitchell Porteous
Rhys Baker
Shane Conroy
Ashley Parrott
Adam Smith
Belinda Hancock
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am a loud, proud Special Olympics champion and I want to cry every time I think about being on the team.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I’m excited and I want to score a goal for the team.
This is really good. I want to be a great table tennis player.
To represent your country is the highest accomplishment that can be achieved in any sport. I am humbled, excited and very proud.
I can’t wait to represent Australia. It is something to look forward to and strive for.
Gold Coast QLD
South Coast NSW
Adelaide South SA
Brisbane West QLD
Bundaberg QLD
Mid North Coast NSW
Canberra ACT
Matthew Schofield
Natalie Evans
Robbie Mastrogiacomo
Sturt Goodwin
Brendon March
Amanda Gorman
Benjamin Williams
This is fantastic.
I have met a lot of people through training and competitions that have become a big part of my life.
I believe that everyone should be able to play the sports that they love.
Special Olympics keeps me fit and gives me something to look forward to each week.
If I could do anything in the world I would ride my bike all around Australia.
Special Olympics gives me something to look forward to.
It makes me real happy to wear the green and gold. Afterall I am an Australian. Go Aussies!
Maxwell Wayte
Olivia Eiser
Robbie Streeting
Toby Sutherland
Cassandra Bonomo
Amanda Storey
Beryl Gearside
I love running about and sport makes me feel happy.
Special Olympics makes me feel good. It makes me feel proud. It makes me feel confident and happy to be on earth.
It’s so cool to be representing Australia and I will be very proud to wear my Special Olympics uniform.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am going to train really hard so I can do well at the Games.
I feel very proud and excited about competing for Australia and hope that I can win a gold medal.
I am very excited and happy to be on the team.
Michael Baker
Phillip King
Robert O’Brien
Tracey McPaul
Kate Juillerat
Amy Lockton
Brianna Duffy
My dream is to play guitar in a band, but I would have to get a lot better.
I am speechless and honoured. Thanks to everyone for sticking by me and having faith. I won’t let you down.
My favourite part of Special Olympics is winning medals.
I am proud to be part of an Australian team for the very first time.
I’m really excited that table tennis has been included as one of the sports.
I can’t wait to be part of Team Australia.
I’m really proud to be playing for my country and can’t wait to bring home a gold medal.
Central Coast NSW
North West New England NSW
Gold Coast QLD
Sydney South NSW
Moreton North QLD
Gympie QLD
Adelaide South SA
Brisbane West QLD
Adelaide Hills/Fleurieu SA
Brisbane North QLD
Adelaide North SA
Bundaberg QLD
Brisbane North QLD
Gympie QLD
Dandenong Valley VIC
Ballarat VIC
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Macarthur NSW
Bundaberg QLD
South Coast NSW
Gold Coast QLD
Michael Bird
Rana Istambouli
Sara Burke
Tristan Howard
Andrew King
Carl O’Farrell
Being selected for Team Australia has made me feel very proud.
If I could be anything I wanted, I would be a really, really good soccer player.
I feel really proud.
I’m proud to be competing in Newcastle.
Words can’t describe how I feel. I love playing sport.
I am a very proud Australia sportsman.
Central Coast NSW
Canberra ACT
Gympie QLD
Brisbane North QLD
Gympie QLD
Sydney South NSW
Miles Fisher
Raymond Blackadder
Sarah Hartley
Troy Palmer
Anthony Jackson
Claire Robertson
I think green and gold is a very nice combination. I am proud to represent my country, Special Olympics and people with disabilities.
I am going to play football for Australia!
I never thought I would be good enough for something like this, but all my training and hard work has lead to this.
The opportunity to play any sport at such a significant event is an honour not to be taken lightly. My family and friends are extremely proud. So am I.
Now I will be like my brother. He has represented Australia.
Special Olympics has improved my self confidence and sportsmanship.
‘This is going to make me feel really happy!’
Jason Blackadder, Australian Champion
Moreton North QLD
16
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
Sydney South NSW
Gold Coast QLD
Brisbane West QLD
Hunter Valley NSW
Hunter Valley NSW
ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
17
Tenpin Bowling (Continued) Craig Renton
Francis Bush
Heather White
Jordon Lubcke
Karine Chauvin-White
Luke Johnson
Melissa Etherton
Patrick Hayes
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am so excited that I don’t know whether any of us in the family will sleep!
When I am at Special Olympics I feel accepted.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Making the team has made me feel proud of myself.
My best moment at Special Olympics has been being selected to represent Team Australia.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Special Olympics has given me an interest outside of work. At Special Olympics I can enjoy myself and make new friends.
Macarthur NSW
Bendigo VIC
Melbourne Southern VIC
Spencer Gulf SA
Melbourne Southern VIC
Perth Metro North WA
Macarthur NSW
Spencer Gulf SA
Daniel Griffin
Geoffrey Jordan
Heidi Jay
Joshua Frost
Kirrin Pereira
Mark Dale
Melissa Lee
Paul Bell
Special Olympics has given me a purpose.
This is a great opportunity to compete with others.
I want to bowl a perfect game of 300 in tenpin bowling.
Thanks to the support of my coaches I made the team!
I will feel very proud to wear our national colours in front of so many Australian and overseas visitors.
I am glad to be part of this awesome team.
I was floating on cloud nine when I was told I had been selected for Team Australia.
Special Olympics has given me opportunities that I didn’t think were available to people with a disability.
Macarthur NSW
Gold Coast QLD
South Coast NSW
Sydney West NSW
Brisbane East QLD
Canberra ACT
Gold Coast QLD
David Hamilton
Gerrelle King
Janet Stone
Joshua Ives
Lee Marriott
Mark Russ
Nathan Stubbs
Rebecca Parker
I am excited and happy to be representing Australia.
It will be a great experience to have my family watch me compete in my home town.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am excited and proud to be part of this special event.
I feel very excited and privileged. I can’t wait to be part of it all.
I am extremely proud to be representing my country.
I am very proud and look forward to waving the Australian flag.
I’m looking forward to going away and playing with my team mates.
Debbie Ridley
Glen Ball
Jenny Roberts
Josie McLean
Leon Aarsse
Martin Reidy
Nathan Williams
Robert Szabo
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I’m so excited!! I’m super proud!
I’ll try to win but if I cannot win, I’ll try again.
I am the first person in my family of five brothers and sisters to be selected to represent my country.
I like Special Olympics because I have fun with my brother who is also in Special Olympics.
Special Olympics makes life enjoyable.
If I could do anything in the world I would just want to be with my friends and be happy.
Being able to represent Australia in my favourite sport of tenpin bowling is my dream come true.
Ballarat VIC
Macarthur NSW
Hunter Valley NSW
Mid North Coast NSW
Echuca Campaspe VIC
Adelaide South SA
North Coast NSW
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Flinders NSW
Sunshine Coast QLD
Adelaide SA
Central Coast NSW
Sunshine Coast QLD
Macarthur NSW
Canberra ACT
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Elissa Thiele
Glenn Lockyer
Jerome Hart
Karen Lucyk
Linsey Chetwynd
Matthew Bell
Nisha Kirkham
Russell Kapeen
I am excited about singing the national anthem, wearing the Australian uniform and marching in the Opening Ceremony.
It’ll be good to compete against different players at such a high level.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
At Special Olympics I like the way everyone congratulates each other when they win.
I hope to win a gold medal in tenpin bowling.
This is the greatest feeling ever. What an experience to represent Australia.
I am really looking forward to wearing the Australian uniform.
I am really pleased and excited that I have been selected to represent Australia. I appreciate the opportunity that Special Olympics has offered me.
Ovens & Murray VIC
Melbourne Inner East VIC
Melbourne Southern VIC
South Coast NSW
Sunshine Coast QLD
Adelaide North SA
Gregory Black
Jo-Anne Holden
Katrina Allan
Lisa Vineburg
Melinda Knowles
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am looking forward to competing in a sport I enjoy against people from other countries.
I am proud to represent Australia and WA.
I can’t believe I got chosen. I am so excited.
My friends at Special Olympics have helped me to not be shy.
Special Olympics has given me more confidence and the ability to cope with everyday life.
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
Sydney South NSW
North Coast NSW
Felicity Bromilow Perth Metro North WA
18
Canberra ACT
Perth Metro North WA
Perth Metro North WA
Barwon VIC
Sydney Northern Beaches NSW
Gold Coast QLD
‘Special Olympics has given me opportunities that I didn’t think were available to people with a disability.’ Paul Bell ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
19
Tenpin Bowling (Continued) Ryan Mueller
Stephen Bennett Hunter Valley NSW
Macarthur NSW
I am feeling very proud and one day I hope to find a nice girlfriend.
Special Olympics has given me the opportunity to go away and compete at higher levels. I am over the moon to be part of Team Australia.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Mid North Coast NSW
Viliamu Tumaalii
‘The Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games will be the largest multi-country event ever held for people with an intellectual disability in Australia. I hope it will build a platform of awareness and support for the athletes of Special Olympics and I urge all Australians to support our athletes along the journey to this wonderful event and beyond.’ Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Quentin Bryce AC CVO, Governor General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Patron of Special Olympics Australia.
Sally Buckley-Moon
Tamara Chapple
Wayne Batchelor
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I feel very proud and one day I hope to have the confidence to live on my own.
Special Olympics provides companionship and something fun to do.
Sally McKenzie
Therese Garton
William Brunsdon
I love tenpin bowling and the music and celebration involved in Special Olympics.
At Special Olympics I get to try different sports which I wouldn’t be able to do in normal sport.
I am excited by the thought of being part of the team – it is wonderful!
Scott Walker
Thomas Doering
Zoe Ford
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
I am looking forward to travelling and competing in such a big event.
Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Athlete Oath.
Bendigo VIC
Sunshine Coast QLD
Macarthur NSW
Central Coast NSW
Adelaide South SA
Perth Metro North WA
Perth Metro North WA
North West New England NSW
Melbourne Eastern Ranges VIC
Sebastian Marshall
Vicki Bailey
I am looking forward to playing for Australia for the very first time.
Being able to represent Australia in Australia is an honour.
Brisbane West QLD
Central Coast NSW
‘At the Games I will be just like other Australian athletes and my family will be able to watch me.’ Taylor Doyle, Australian Champion
20
Special Olympics ASIA PACIFIC GAMES 2013
‘Special Olympics has given me the opportunity to go away and compete at higher levels. I am over the moon to be part of Team Australia.’ Stephen Bennett ACT NSW QLD SA TAS VIC WA
Principal Partner
21
About Special Olympics Australia Special Olympics Australia is dedicated to supporting people with an intellectual disability to reach their full potential through regular sports training and quality competition pathways, and we cater to people of all ages and abilities at all levels of competition. Worldwide, the Special Olympics movement supports over 4 million athletes in 170 countries, with the Asia-Pacific region being the fastest growing in the world.
Special Olympics Australia PO Box 62, Concord West 2138 | Tollfree: 1300 225 762 | www.specialolympics.com.au ABN 28 050 738 728 | CFN14503