CELEBRATING ABILITY!

 

Today is International Day of People with a Disability (IDPwD), a United Nations sanctioned day that promotes the dignity, rights and well-being of people with disability. And the world’s biggest celebration of disability today was the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games, a celebration of 2,500 athletes from 32 countries held right here in Australia. To commemorate the 21st anniversary of the event four young Australians with a disability who turned 21 this year told their personal stories of what they have achieved over the last two decades. Special Olympics athlete and Games ambassador, Chris Bunton from St Clair NSW was one of the stars.

 

ATHLETE LEADERS CELEBRATE ABILITY

 

Athlete Leadership ambassadors from Asia Pacific countries shared breakfast with newly appointed Special Olympics CEO, Janet Froetscher, this morning in Newcastle to spread the word about social inclusion on International Day of People with Disability.

 

The event brought together athlete ambassadors and their mentors from more than 30 countries to empower their communities and become advocates for Special Olympics around the world. The ambassadors spoke about the importance of the leadership program and the impact it has had on their lives.

 

Froetscher said: ‘Special Olympics is breaking down barriers and opening doors through sport, health, and education for children and adults with intellectual disabilities each and every single day. Special Olympics athletes show their strengths and abilities through participation in sport. Each athlete has a different story, but each story has much in common. From the athletics track to the football field, from the bowling alley to the basketball court, our athletes show their courage, joy, perseverance and the results of all their training and hard work every day. And who better to advocate for our athletes but you, the athlete leaders. I’m excited to join all of you today to learn about your experiences in your home countries.’

 

Australian Athlete ambassador representative, Chris Button said, ‘Athlete Leadership Programs give us the opportunity to spread the word and change people’s pre-conceived conceptions about people with an intellectual disability.’

 

Athlete Leadership Programs provides training and support for athletes and gives them the opportunity to hold leadership positions and channel their confidence through public speaking, community engagement, working on committees and acting as ambassadors.

 

NEXT GENERATION OF ATHLETES

 

They may be too young to compete in Special Olympics, but that’s not stopping Hunter toddlers and children from getting in on the action of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games. Watch our new generation of stars as featured on NBN News last night.

 

A BOOST TO GOOD HEALTH

 

At 15 years of age Kasey from WA, is the youngest female athlete on the Australian team.

 

Kasey is competing in swimming and is thrilled to have the opportunity to wear the green and gold at her first international sporting event. Kasey’s parents are franchisees of Aussie Farmers Direct, which generously donated 20,000 pieces of fruits to the Games to support healthy eating among athletes.

 

Kasey’s mother, Jenelle Reynolds said: ‘The Games have been great for Kasey and our family. She loves every moment of it and it’s keeping her busy. We’re all extremely thrilled and very pleased that Aussie Farmers Direct have donated. Their contribution is a fantastic complement to our Healthy Athletes Program, which is all about encouraging our athletes to adopt better healthcare and lifestyle choices.’

 

Kasey completed her swimming heats today and will proceed to medal events later this week.

WACKY WELCOME

 

Last week’s celebration to welcome athletes to the Village was a jovial event with athletes getting to know each other and soaking up the team spirit. One of the highlights of the night was the photo booth where athletes snapped themselves letting their hair down.Click here to check out the shenanigans.