Special Olympics Legends
A number of Orana Port Pirie clients have been selected to represent South Australia in ten-pin bowling at the Special Olympics Australia’s 2022 National Games in Tasmania.
Six members of Orana’s Port Pirie Business Services team are among the 32 bowlers travelling to Launceston in October. Eight Port Pirie-based athletes were selected.
Athletes representing their state include, Jordan Lubcke, Mark Bond, Kellie Martlew, Daryl Vermeeren, Lisette Waterman, Donna Ruffles, Andrew Rufnak, and Steven Haylock.
Maxine Bowden, secretary of the Spencer Club of the Special Olympics, stated that a great deal of Port Pirie pride will accompany the team to Launceston.
“The best part about this, with our sport, our team can do what any other top athlete can do. The can go world, state, national; they’ve got a change of being honoured by their country.” Said Maxine.
The Special Olympics Australia is part of a global inclusion movement using sport, health and education programs to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities.
From 17 – 21 October, 732 athletes with intellectual disability will be flocking to Tasmania to compete in 10 different sports including athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, golf, gymnastics, soccer, swimming, table tennis and tennis.
Recently, the eight team members from Port Pirie travelled to Adelaide to meet with the Honourable Frances Adamson AC at Government House to be presented with their travelling and ceremonial uniform, back packs and essential travel items.
Mark Bond has been bowling every Tuesday evening and travelling to Adelaide once a month to practise with the remainder of the SA team in preparation for the October games.
Mark lives in SIL accommodation, supported by the Orana team to attend bowling practice and regular competitions.
Each athlete competing in the games is required to pay $3,000 for transport and other processes.
We look forward to following along and watching the SA team show their talents at the games in October. Good luck team!
If you would like to make a donation for any player, or would like to follow the progress of the games, visit nationalgames2022.com.au
