Pahīatua's Jamie Davidson on winning two medals at the World Summer Games in Berlin.
There would have been cheering in Pahīatua over the last few days as Jamie Davidson sprinted his way to medals in the World Summer Games.
Jamie, 24, was part of the New Zealand delegation competing in the Special Olympics in Berlin.
It’s considered the largest inclusive sports event in theworld, with 7000 athletes with an intellectual disability from 190 nations competing in 26 sports.
Jamie won silver in the 100-metre sprint with a time of 17.88 seconds, not quite fast enough to catch Li Ting Du from Chinese Taipei.
When asked about his race, Jamie said it was “all good.”
Each athlete in the Special Olympics is allocated a division with athletes of similar ability, based on previous results, and there are limits to each section on how far an athlete is able to improve before they are disqualified.
Jamie enjoyed an amazing three weeks in Germany, which included a training camp in Munich and an opening ceremony at the famous Olympiastadion.
Jamie Davidson is very proud of his achievements at Berlin.
The proud athlete says his mum Jean was pretty emotional when showed his two medals.
“She cried,” he says.
Jamie’s trip to Berlin was made possible thanks to support from local organisations such as Tararua College PTA, Pahīatua Marae, Pahīatua School, Blue Light, Dove Cottage Property Services and Grainhub Ltd, as well as individuals involved in the fundraising initiatives.
Pahīatua Marae kaumātua Hiria Tua says the community of Pahīatua is very proud of Jamie and what he’s achieved.
Hira says Jamie has been supported not only by people known to his family, but also local organisations.
“It’s what makes us the community we are.”
Having grown up in Pahīatua, Jamie has always been an active part of the community.
Through his campaign to raise money for the trip to Berlin, he did Bingo nights, stood outside the local supermarket and helped at the marae.
