Special Olympics is an important part of the lives of many people with Down syndrome, who participate in a wide range of activities across NSW, enjoying sports, making friends, learning and developing new skills. Some go on to compete at State, National and International level. All are supported by volunteers.
A one-off additional funding grant of $4000,000 to Special Olympics NSW has been announced by the NSW Minister for Disability Services, coinciding with International Day for People with Disabilities, which occurs tomorrow.
Olympics Australia CEO Catriona Barry welcomed the funding.
“We know there are literally tens of thousands of people with an intellectual disability who could be participating in sports.”
“With this funding we now have the resources to be able to get out into the community, find them, and get them out there participating and enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
“We will be able to have more people working in the community, linking people with an intellectual disability to sporting opportunities.”
“There are so many people with an intellectual disability that are keen to have a life outside of their home or workplace, and we intend to create a community for them where they can be part of a supportive environment, get active, and have fun.”
“With a growing number of participants we will need more volunteers.”
“So as well as allowing us to better reach out to the approximately 68,000 people in NSW with an intellectual disability, this funding will also allow us to reach out to more volunteers,” she said.
The Special Olympics NSW provides individual and team sports, winter and summer sports, sports for younger people and also programs for older people who want to stay active.
As well as recreational sports, the organisation offers regular local competitions and annual State competitions at which athletes were selected to represent NSW at national competitions.
“We know there are literally tens of thousands of people with an intellectual disability who could be participating in sports.”
“With this funding we now have the resources to be able to get out into the community, find them, and get them out there participating and enjoying the benefits of an active lifestyle.”
“We will be able to have more people working in the community, linking people with an intellectual disability to sporting opportunities.”
“There are so many people with an intellectual disability that are keen to have a life outside of their home or workplace, and we intend to create a community for them where they can be part of a supportive environment, get active, and have fun.”
“With a growing number of participants we will need more volunteers.”
“So as well as allowing us to better reach out to the approximately 68,000 people in NSW with an intellectual disability, this funding will also allow us to reach out to more volunteers,” she said.
The Special Olympics NSW provides individual and team sports, winter and summer sports, sports for younger people and also programs for older people who want to stay active.
As well as recreational sports, the organisation offers regular local competitions and annual State competitions at which athletes were selected to represent NSW at national competitions.
Gabrielle Clark: Special Olympics Dr John Day Award 2008
Gabrielle Clark has been announced as one of two winners of the prestigious Dr John Day Award, for 2008, by Special Olympics Australia. The other winner is Kelly Wren.
Gabrielle is quoted as saying: 'Special Olympics has helped me achieve so much in my life - I just want to give something back so that other athletes can see what can be done if you have support'.The full citation for both awards is here.
Gabrielle and her family have been members and supporters of Down Syndrome NSW over many years, and have been active in several roles. We add our congratulations to the many others she has received on this occasion.
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