Special Olympics at Surrey Park

Special Olympics Southern Schools Athletics event was held at Surrey Park in Invercargill on Tuesday 20th March.

There were 110 school athletes registered to compete from ten Southland Schools.

Special Olympics New Zealand offers sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  It is first and foremost a sports organisation, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport. It’s about fun, friendships and team spirit; a sense of belonging, and ultimately improving quality of life.

The day went very well with the support of nearly 30 community volunteers, most of which were students from local schools and training providers.  It is a great opportunity for young people to get out and support their peers and make connections in their communities by volunteering at the events.

The events are great taste testers for students with the hope that eventually they will transition through to Special Olympics Clubs. 

Once they join the club there is a good competition pathway right through to World Summer and Winter Games.

A different sports event is held for schools each term with the next one being a 5 aside Football tournament in June.

- story and photos courtesy of Michelle Greenwood, Special Olympics NZ Regional Co-ordinator, Lower South Island, South.