Special Olympians do district proud

TAIRAWHITI OLYMPIANS: Delighted with their performances at the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games in Wellington are Tairawhiti team members (from left) Kieran Chick, Millie Matahiki, Te Morehu Otene, Patsy Matete, Amy Ropitini and Harry Matete. Picture supplied

MILLIE Matahiki led the Tairawhiti team’s medal charge at the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games in Wellington.

Matahiki, one of the club’s newest members, won gold medals in the 100 and 200m sprints.

“The team won two gold, five silver and five bronze medals and six ribbons in the athletic track and field and swimming events,” said Tairawhiti co-oordinator Aroha Te Hau.

“Harry Matete and Amy Ropitini achieved personal bests in javelin and softball throwing events, which means they go up to a higher level in competition.

Silver medallist Te Morehu Otene just missed out on first in the mini-javelin and shot put.

Tairawhiti’s only swimmer, Kieran Chick, brought home a bronze medal in his 25m freestyle event.

“This was the first national event ever attended by Tairawhiti Special Olympians and we are proud of all our athletes, who gave it their absolute best.”

More than 3000 athletes, coaches and managers attended the Games and around 600 volunteers filled various roles as athletes competed in 11 sports across 10 venues.

“Some of our athletes took advantage of the HAP (Healthy Athlete Programme), where they had vision, hearing and dental health checks.

“The IHC Gisborne committee and Lion Foundation sponsored the team, which was great.

“The team are now focused on building membership. Anyone interested in joining the team can contact me at tairawhiti@specialolympics.org.nz.”