SONZ branch for Wairarapa

The newly formed Wairarapa branch of Special Olympics New Zealand (SONZ) will be launched at the Genesis Recreation Centre in Masterton on August 13.
Chairwoman Gaylene van Wijk is hopeful many of the 200-plus special Olympians and their families in the Wairarapa will be at the launch
Activities will run from 3pm to 5pm with the emphasis on swimming.
The Wairarapa branch will follow the SONZ philosophy of offering a year-round programme of sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
"Age is not a determining factor," Mrs van Wijk said. "We will be catering for anybody keen to participate no matter how old."
During winter the main focus in a sporting sense will fall on aquatics (competitive swimming, walking or floating on water), ten-pin bowling and equestrian which will be organised through the Riding for the Disabled.
Others such as athletics and basketball will come on board in the weeks ahead.
Mrs van Wijk is investigating the possibility of the physically disabled (Paralympians) becoming part of the same programme.