Special Olympics Makes a Difference for Alistair

Recently I received the following letter from a mother of a Special Olympic athlete.  This athlete, Alistair, represented NSW in the softball at the recent National Games in Adelaide.

‘Alistair had the best time in Adelaide at the 2010 Special Olympics National Games.  Alistair came home a different young man.  He is much more confident and his language has improved as he is concentrating on trying to be understood.  Alistair is now saying his sentences much more clearly and they are sentences, not just one word answers.

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Congratulations to SOSUNS Athletes Selected to represent Australia

Congratulations Mel, Harry and Andew who have been selected to represent Australia in the softball team at the World Games.  The World Games will be held in Athens next year.

Your fellow athletes and supporters at SOSUNS are so proud of you all.  You have trained and played hard.  You deserve your selection not only because you are great softball players but also because you are team players!!

Well done, good luck and have a brilliant time representing your country.

Skiing Program 2010

The 2010 Disabled Wintersports Australia ski camp will be held from Sunday 22nd August to Sunday 29th August 2010.  

Accommodation will be at Fisko’s Lodge which is located in the grounds of the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre.

With the extra couple of days skiing this year and the opportunity to compete in the interschools competition, the cost will be $1600.  This will cover accommodation, meals, ski hire, lifts tickets, instructors and lessons.  This also covers the cost of transport from Sydney for those who need it.  If your family is dropping you off the cost will be less.

SONSW Contact:  Kenn Brown (Winter Sports Coordinator)  kennb@tsn.cc  Home 0265842513  mobile 0401109996

DWA Contact:  Paul Gardner  (Program manager, NSW)  dwa3@bigpond.com   0414748903

Interest in the camp is very high.  A deposit of $800 is now needed to get things rolling.  Please send this to your regional treasurer (for SOSUNS athletes PO Box 262, Mona Vale, 2103) who can then email Kenn to confirm your payment.  Your deposit will then be sent to the state treasurer Helen Downes.

Please note:

DWA arranges the facilities, programs and qualified instructors for these camps.  The Special Olympics Winter Sports Coordinator collects all the papaerwork, liaising with DWA on bookings and coordinating athletes and carers to attend the camp.  The only exception to this rule is DWA Membership which ALL athletes and helpers must have.  This is to be sent to the DWA and details and forms can be dowloaded from www.disabledwintersport.com.au

Swimmers Score Medals Galore

SOSUNS sent four swimmers off to Adelaide to represent the Blues.  Lauren, Rebecca, Ashlie and James had trained hard and competed in numerous lead up competitions to ready themselves for the Games.  And it showed, as all four swimmers came away after some really tough competition with at least one medal each.

The excitement at the pool rivalled that shown by the crowd when Thorpy was swimming.  Signs, cheers and Mexican waves pumped up the swimmers as they readied themselves for their races.

Lauren won a silver medal in the relay with team mate Rebecca and also a bronze medal in the backstroke.  As well as the silver relay medal, Rebecca won a bronze for the breast stroke and most satisfying of all she swam a personal best in the freestyle. 

 

 

 

 James came away with two gold medals in his relay and butterfy races as well as a couple of fourth places.  Ashlie won bronze in the 50 metre freestyle relay but really made herself and her supporters proud when she swam personal bests in the 50 metre and 100 metre backstroke races.  Ashlie achieved fourth place in these races and despite a busy program also managed a sixth place in the 50 metre freestyle. 

Along with the athletes, three SOSUNS volunteers also went along to Adelaide as carers and coaches.  Brandon, Aileen and Jack all agreed that attending the Games was one of the best experiences of their lives and can’t wait for the next games in Melbourne.

Ashley Competes Against World Champ in Tennis

The balls flew across the court in a magnificent display of power and precision.

When playing against the reigning world champion there is no choice but to go for the line and that is exactly what Ashley Springett did.

It was a thrill for Ashley to play in the mixed doubles competition against Kelly and her brother Michael and he was very proud to come away with a bronze medal.

Ashley also earned a commendable fourth place in the singles competition.

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