Pride of Australia Medal nomination - Paul Phelan building love for sport

Congratulations to Paul Phelan (Matthew's Dad) on his voluntary work with Special Olympics, and the nomination it has earned him for a Pride of Australia Medal.
He was interviewed  with Amanda Keller by John Barker of the Daily Telegraph for the article published today:

Like many parents across Australia, Paul Phelan loves being involved in his son's sporting pursuits - but he might have reason to feel a little prouder than most.


As chairman of Special Olympics Australia Sydney Upper North Shore branch, his volunteer duties range far and wide.

After his second son was born with Down syndrome nine years ago, Mr Phelan thought "there wasn't much around that Matthew could do sports-wise".

Now there are 280 registered Special Olympians on the Upper North Shore "and then there are the children from the special needs school, about 300-400, who we see every week," the softly spoken father of three said.

Even as a volunteer who goes beyond the call of duty, Mr Phelan is staggered by how many "good people" are willing to help out. "We have a lot of volunteers ... and they just come down because they want to do this," he said.

It's people like Mr Phelan and all Special Olympic volunteers who TV and radio personality Amanda Keller dips her lid to in admiration.

The Talkin' 'Bout Your Generation team leader nominated Mr Phelan for a Community Spirit Medal in this year's Pride of Australia initiative.

"For people who work full-time and then devote their time to the good of the community as Paul does, well, it's hats off to him," Keller said.

She sees not only the benefit of Mr Phelan's work for Matthew but also the "transformations in the families of kids with special needs".

"Thank God people like Paul muck in," Keller said. "That's what Pride of Australia is about - to thank the people who muck in and to show the community's gratitude."