Special Olympics Tairawhiti athlets to representus

READY FOR CHALLENGE: The Tairawhiti team for the Special Olympics National Summer Games (from left), team coach Richard Otene, team co-ordinator Aroha Te Hau, athletes Te Morehu Otene, Amy Ropitini, Kieran Chick, Harry Matete, Millie Matahiki and Patsy Matete, and chairman Meng Foon. Picture supplied

SIX athletes from Special Olympics Tairawhiti are set to take part in the Special Olympics National Summer Games, which start tomorrow and end on Friday in the Wellington district.

It will be the first time Gisborne has had a team competing at the Games.

Held every four years, the Games are New Zealand’s largest event for people with intellectual disabilities. Athletes will compete in swimming, athletics, basketball, bocce, equestrian, football, golf, indoor bowls, powerlifting, table tennis and ten-pin bowling.

As well as the athletes, an army of coaches, management and volunteers will also contribute to the running of the Games. Over 500 coaches and management staff are attending to support their athletes, and around 600 local volunteers have been recruited.

Over 1300 athletes will attend the Wellington Games.

Special Olympics Tairawhiti athletes have been training hard for this event.

With support from the Gisborne IHC Committee and the Lion Foundation, a team will represent this district at the Games for the first time

Team coach Richard Otene said the team uniform was sponsored by the NZ Racing Board and KaeaMedia.

The opening ceremony of the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games will be held at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua on Monday.

Events are being held throughout the Wellington, Hutt Valley and Porirua areas throughout the week.

Special Olympics New Zealand will also run a Healthy Athletes Programme during the Games. Over 70 volunteer clinicians will deliver the programme.

Athletes will be offered the opportunity to take part in screenings focused on hearing, eyesight, dental care and podiatry. This programme will begin tomorrow.