CLOSING CELEBRATIONS

 

Last night the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games officially came to an end with an emotional street parade and open-air festival on Newcastle Foreshore.

 

The Australian team were enthusiastically cheered by thousands of friends, families, volunteers and Newcastle and Hunter locals who showed their appreciation for all Special Olympics champions from the Asia Pacific region.

 

Following the formalities, a spectacular fireworks display enthralled the crowd and then it was party time as 2,500 athletes from 32 nations let their hair down at a disco under the stars.

 

Chairman of the Games Organising Committee, John Trevillian said that the Games were an outstanding success and that Newcastle and the Hunter Region should be proud of what was achieved.

 

‘This week we have seen the best of people. From our magnificent Special Olympics athletes and their carers, to our enthusiastic and committed volunteers, lives have been changed forever this week and we should all be proud of what we have achieved,’ he said.

 

‘Newcastle has been the perfect host to athletes and officials from nations across the Asia Pacific region who have achieved personal best results, made new friends and grown as people in what is a true reflection of the human spirit.’

 

Mr Trevillian went on to thank everyone involved for making the dream a reality, stating that, ‘we are all better people for what we have witnessed this week.’

 

 

IN MEMORY OF NELSON MANDELA

 

As the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games came to a close, the Special Olympics community were saddened to hear news of the passing of Nelson Mandela, the late South African president and international icon for inclusion, equality and freedom.

 

Mandela and his children’s foundation worked with Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her organisation to reach out to people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

 

In Mandela’s words, ‘Special Olympics gives testimony to the indestructability of the human spirit and of our capacity to overcome hardships and obstacles.’

 

‘When you attend a Special Olympics games and watch the sheer joy and faces – not just of the athletes, but more overwhelmingly among spectators – you begin to realise there is much more at work than simply athletic competition. It is a profound statement of inclusion – that everybody matters, everybody counts, every life has value and every person has worth.'

 

Chair of Special Olympics Australia, Mark Streeting said, ‘President Mandela taught us about the power of the human spirit. And as we honour this incredible man, we should all think about how we can continue his legacy by inspiring those in our communities to live in a way that respects others.’

If you have a personal story about the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games, or want to share your photos, please email media@specialolympics.com.au or call Sharon Nixon on 0406 821 461.

TAKE ACTION DONATE AND PROMOTE OUR NEWS   As a not-for profit charity organisation we are are always in need of support so please get involved and share our news via your own personal or business channels. All content is cleared for the promotion of Special Olympics Australia.   Team Australia media contact:  Sharon Nixon, Special Olympics Australiamedia@specialolympics.com.au 0406 821 461

OUR AUSSIES ARE CHAMPIONS Our Aussie champions have done themselves proud with awesome sporting performances, but more importantly they have represented Australia with pride and great sportsmanship. Photo: Sharon Nixon, Special Olympics Australia.   Our 400 Aussie champions can hold their heads high as they return home to share their Games experience with families, friends, fellow athletes and local communities across Australia.   As our largest team ever, they performed extremely well with the official results showing that the Australiam team were awarded over 700 medals and place ribbons.   And while the official results are yet to be published, and the overall personal best performances of the Aussie team are yet to be tallied, all indications show that our team performed exceptionally well, and they did so in good spirit and with great sportsmaship.   Today, all Team Australia athletes and officials should stand proud. You have just represented our country with passion, pride and dignity.   Well done team!   LAST DAY AT THE VILLAGE Three of our bocce boys gathered together yesterday to share their final goodbyes at the Athlete Village: (L-R) Jim Aarsse (QLD), Clark Hampton (QLD) and Cameron Chance (NSW). Photo: Sharon Nixon, Special Olympics Australia.    Prior to the Closing Celebration the Aussie team hung out at the Athlete Village at Cypress Lakes Resort enthusiastically sharing their stories and bidding their final farewells to new found friends. When athletes arrive home today they will  share a Games experience that will be held in their hearts forever. Click here to check out the team pictures.   GAMES WRAPUP A Games Wrapup newsletter is scheduled for Tuesdaywith more photos, stories, final results, Games messages from our athletes and Hero Messages from families.   Unfortunately Hero Messages weren't distributed directly to athletes during the Games - due to a technical hitch - but we will share the love in our final commemorative edition. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and especially to our volunteer Team Australia officials and families in Newcastle who have been so supportive in helping us gather news.   A special thanks to Kim Lawley (basketball),  Ellena Morris (aquatics) and Toby Kable (cricket) for being particularly helpful to the small Team Australia media and communications crew. You have been wonderful and efficient, despite some outlandish requests!   We hope everyone has enjoyed our news. Feedback is welcome via media@specialolympics.com.au

Champions Corner   GAMES AT A GLANCE 2,500 athletes 32 countries 3,500 volunteers 400 Aussie athletes 115 Aussie officials 4 days of sporting competition 444 sporting events 9 sports 2,205 ribbons 2,253 medals 7 sports venues 8 accommodation villages 900+ bus transports 2,000 Opening Ceremony performers 72 cartons of muesli bars 158 cases of fruit 5,000 plus photographs Unmeasurable smiles and memories!