Mike ‘The Mean Machine’ and Shane ‘Everready Bunny’ Take on the Basketball

Michael ‘The Mean Machine’ Karseboom and Shane ‘Everready Bunny’ Doowage had the privilege of participating in their first Special Olympic National Games as members of the awesome NSW mixed basketball team.  These enthusiastic athletes played with enjoyment, tenacity and sportsmanship in true Special Olympic spirit, never giving up against more experienced teams.

Eventually their dedication was rewarded as they won their last game of the tournament with amazing teamwork and supportive coaches cheering them on from the sideline.  The athletes deservedly felt like champions and their elation at winning was unbelievable.

The team was placed sixth and Mike was the highest goal scorer for almost every match.

But winning isn’t everything.  When Mike was asked what was the best part of his week he answered that it was “…meeting Aaron my coach, making so many new friends and having the most fun I have ever had!!”

Our tallest SOSUNS athlete, Jackson Fennell, was a member of the open men’s team.  This team rewarded loyal supporters with a breathtakingly close game in the bronze medal playoff match against Queensland.  With minutes to go NSW were 10 points up but Queensland were not finished yet and played well to win by 2 points.  It was an exciting match talked about right through the athlete camp.

Nathaniel Runs and Jumps for Bronze

Nathaniel was SOSUNS only representative in the athletics and he did a great job. 

Nathaniel loved the atmosphere of athletes focused on competition but still ready to be friendly and have fun.  He had a fantastic time, meeting up with old friends and making loads of new ones as well.

Nathaniel won bronze in the long jump and 4×100m relay and came 4th in 100m and 200m.

 

 

 

A highlight for Nathaniel was the closing ceremony where he enjoyed dancing in front of the band.  Patting the beautiful white police horses was also a highlight for Nathaniel.

Tom Putts for Gold - Last Shot on the Last Hole…

After four years of practising hard every week at Avondale Golf Course, two very proud members of the NSW
 golf team, SOSUNS Tom Leray-Meyer and Luke Dawson left for Adelaide with high expectations.

Competition was expected to be intense across all divisions at the Adelaide Shores Golf Club and the athletes were not disappointed.

Tome competed in the 18 hole division 2 competition with tywo tough Queenslanders seeded above him.  Over two days of fierce competition all three competitors literally went shot for shot.  On day 1Tom was able to find his putting and driving ranges and importantly kept out of trees, water and bunkers to post a solid 101.  this saw Tom one shot ahead of his nearest competition.

Day two of competition dawned and this was make or break day with the crowds flooding onto the course.  Tom boomed his first drive down the middle with some style and panache - or so thought his Dad - Ooops caddy.  Tom continued to play very well over the first nine, turning the corner in 50 and looking good.  It was at this time that the golf course started to get a little revenge and the pressure really mounted.  But to his credit Tom kept his cool (better than the caddy) and finished with a solid score of 108.

The question on the crowd and caddy’slips was… “Was this good enough for gold?”  Yes it was!!!  The Queenslander had come in with 109 and so Tom literally won on the final hole by just two shots.  Tom thoroughly enjoyed the whole games experience, from the actual playing of golf through to the meeting of many new friends, enjoying pizza with his teammates and dancing with his caddy at the closing ceremony.

Luke also had a very successful golf tournament.  Competing in the nine hole division, Luke played three times over the three days.  At the conclusion of day one, luke wa sin first place with a remarkabel best score of 30 shots over the nine.  Days two and three proved alittle tougher and luke shot in the fifties both days which saw him finish a creditable fourth place.

The comraderie of the NSW golf team was fantastic to see.  They were all present at the medal presentations cheering loudly and proudly and singing with gusto as the National Anthem was played nine times.

Both Tom and Luke emphasise their gratitude towards their coaches, Doug and Julia and also the Avondale Golf Club who allow them to train on it’s course each week.

Athletes Enjoy Brilliant National Games

Exciting!  Party!  Friends!  Clapping and Cheering!  Fun!  Best time of my life!  I feel like a hero!  These are just some of the words used by athletes to desribe the recent 2010 National Games held in Adelaide.  For one week family, supporters and volunteers were treated to sport played at the highest level, displays of inspirational sportsmanship and athletes brimming with pride and enthusiasm. Read more

National Games Experience

Recently I was lucky enough to attend the Special Olympics National Games from 19 - 24 April 2010, which were held in Adelaide.

The Games brought about 850 athletes with intellectual disabilities together from every Australian state and territory to compete in 12 sports.  This unique national sporting event was conducted almost entirely by about 650 local volunteers including the official Games Organising Committee. 

Read more

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