National Games - A Volunteer’s Account

I have just spent one of the best weeks of my life in Adelaide as a carer for the NSW State Softball team. 

 

 

 

 

I must admit to being a little apprehensive before going to Adelaide about the workload that would be involved in caring for 13 athletes.  

Now I can honestly say that I was so busy having a great time that I barely noticed the work at all.  And anyway, any caring to be done was a pleasure and a privilege!

 

 

 

 

I had such a brilliant week!  These athletes have such brilliant senses of humour.  They can find something to laugh about in any situation.  I spent my week with the most genuine, talented, humerous and friendly group of people!

I highly recommend anyone take the opportunity to volunteer for Special Olympics.  You will not regret it!

Deb Frost
schools and Community Manager
Special Olympics Sydney Upper North Shore
debfrost@bigpond.com.au
0424 403 065

Lucy and Shaun are fantastic SOSUNS Ambassadors

Lucy and Shaun recently represented SOSUNS at William Clarke College, Kellyville.  They both approached the dauting task of getting up in front of three groups of Year 7 students to talk about Special Olympics with courage and enthusiasm.

The students were transfixed as they learnt what Special Olympics was and how it had changed the lives of Lucy, Shaun and many others with an intellectual disability.  Lucy and Shaun also suggested ways that the students might volunteer for Special Olympics themselves.  This included attending sports as volunteer coaches, helping at specific events and fundraising.

Giving their speeches three times was a fantastic opportunity for Lucy and Shaun as their confidence increased with each speech.  Shaun’s voice became more and more expressive while Lucy even started ad libbing a few jokes.

The students were very enthusiastic about the opportunities available to volunteer within SOSUNS.

Tribute to SOSUNS Coaches

SOSUNS coaches truly are inspirational!  Every week they attend our numerous sports, venues and times, bringing along with them tons of enthusiasm and dedication, determined to teach our athletes to do their best in an atmosphere of fun and acceptance. Read more

Swim Carnival Results

SOSUNS recently held a regional swim carnival at Oakhill College.  The event was attended by over 100 athletes from ACT, Hunter, Sydney North, South, East and West and Central Coast.  The largest team on the day with 35 athletes was SOSUNS.

There were great achievements on the day with many PB’s and many smiles.   Athletes train weekly in the SOSUNS squad programs located at Abbotlsleigh School, Ryde Aquatic Centre and Oakhill College School.

The day ran smoothly thanks to the wonderful support of our many volunteers, in particular Oakhill College and their students, Otis and Ryde Eastwood Lions Club.  Thanks also to Russell Becker who is the driving force behind successful SOSUNS swimming carnivals.

SOSUNS Volunteers and Athlete of the Year Announced

SOSUNS athletes love to play sport!  This would not be possible without numerous volunteers who give up their precious time to, amongst other things, coordinate, coach, umpire, raise funds and manage events.  SOSUNS recently thanked volunteers by holding a fantastic cocktail function at the beautiful Avondale Golf Course function centre.   The occasion was also used to announce the 2009 Tony Barr Junior and Senior Volunteer of the Year Awards and also the 2009 Jane Flemming Athlete of the Year Award.  A special surprise was also in store for one unsuspecting volunteer who was presented a community award by Mr Barry O’Farrell. Read more

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