Published on : Thursday, November 28, 2013
“Our home grown athletes are set to do us all proud at the Special Olympics, making up a substantial proportion of the 400 member Team Australia,” Mr Ajaka said.
“The games will be the biggest celebration of people with disability that our country has ever seen, and there will be more than 2,500 athletes from 32 countries in Asia Pacific region participating in the Hunter over the next week (December 1 – 7).
“Athletes will compete in sports across nine disciplines, including aquatics, athletics, cricket, table tennis, basketball, badminton, bocce, football and tenpin bowling, and our home grown talent is strongly represented across most sports.
“People with intellectual disability often face many challenges and can experience social isolation, which is why events like the Special Olympics movement are important.
“Participation in sport helps to build social inclusion and form social and support networks, as well as boosting participants’ confidence and self-esteem.”
Minister for Sport and Recreation, Gabrielle Upton, said she was looking forward to being at Hunter Stadium on Sunday night to see the games open in spectacular style.
“This is truly a world-class international sporting event that will bring a real sense of excitement and community spirit, as well as economic benefits, to the Hunter region,” Ms Upton said.
“The sporting competition, which will be held over four days next week, is free for spectators to attend so I encourage local sports fan to go along and be part of the action.”
The NSW Government has committed more than $1 million in funding to help bring the Special Olympics to the Hunter region.
The Special Olympics start on Sunday, 1 December, with the Opening Ceremony being held at Hunter Stadium in Newcastle.
The Opening Ceremony will feature performances by Human Nature, Anthony Callea, Marcia Hines, Darren Percival and Marina Prior.
Source:- Destination NSW
Tags: Destination News
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