Northland thrive at Special Olympics nationals

Shannon Morgan literally stepped off a plane to attend after competing at the Special Olympics in Wellington and brought his medals from events across the year with him. Photo / John Stone

Northland athletes have returned from the Special Olympics National Summer Games with a swag of medals and good memories.

More than 1250 athletes with intellectual disabilities competed in Wellington with 38 coming from Northland.

Between Special Olympics Whangarei and Bay of Islands, Northland athletes picked up 45 medals in a great showing of talent.

Scott Rodgers picked up a pair of golds in the tenpin bowling, taking top honours in the singles and pairs (with Scott McCallum).

Whangarei combined to win gold in the teams division five event with Linda Blackbourne, David Fowke, McCallum and Waite bowling well.

In the pool was where the Northlanders really thrived, collecting eight golds, nine silvers and 10 bronzes.

Gold medallists in the pool included Denise Cameron (F02 25m freestyle), Garth Laird (M01 25m freestyle), Andy Daly (M09 25m freestyle), George King (M02 25m backstroke), Chris Newhouse (M07 25m backstroke), Natalia Weir (F4 100m freestyle), Zadkiel Beazley-Tango (M1 25m butterfly) and Daniel Casbolt (M5 100m freestyle.

Two Bay of Islands relay teams, the M2 4x25m medley squad (Beazley-Tango, Sarasin Ben, Newhouse and Tohu) and the M5 4x25m freestyle unit (Casbolt, Heta, Lawrence and Wallace) also took top accolade.

Athletes competed in 11 sports - swimming, athletics, basketball, bocce, equestrian, football, golf, indoor bowls, powerlifting, table tennis and tenpin bowling at venues in Wellington and surrounding areas.

"This has been the most amazing week in Wellington. Our athletes have achieved some outstanding results and the looks on their faces regarding their experiences in the capital say it all," said Chief Executive for Special Olympics New Zealand Kathy Gibson.

"They say Wellington is the event capital of NZ and this community has turned it on for our Special Olympics community in spades. While the beautiful weather played a huge part, it has been the warmth and kindness shown that has really made this week special for us."

As well as being an opportunity to compete with athletes from around the country, the National Summer Games is a time for athletes to connect with their Special Olympics friends and also to promote understanding about people with intellectual disabilities in our communities.

"I am always keen that we leave a positive legacy in our path and that we build awareness and understanding for people who may not know a lot about intellectual disability," Gibson said.

"Many of the comments I have received during Games week suggest that our athletes have left a great impression on those that they have connected with. If we have done that then I am immensely proud."