Special Olympics Western Australia December 2012

Word from the West Pg. 1

SO,

Junior National Games

Junior National Games

20 athletes and 9 officials represented SOWA at the recent

Junior National Games held in Newcastle, NSW. All

competitors returned with a swag of medals. The team

experienced competition, skills in soccer, gymnastics and

cricket, opening and closing ceremonies and made new friends

over the 4 days. The Western Australian basketball team were

presented with the Team Spirit Award for competing in the

spirit of fair play and displaying a positive attitude. Thanks to

Dot Shipard, Head of Delegation for an awesome games.

SOey the Joey, was the Junior National Games mascot, seen here giving the SOWA a ‘high 5’ at the Closing Ceremony at Newcastle NSW.

Top above: Rose Hartley leads the SOWA team in to the stadium at the Opening Ceremony. Top: WA Police Acting Divisional Superintendent John Leembruggen and athlete George Harwood at the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Bottom left: Min Thon Ser on the basketball court. Bottom right: Zac Naake at the long jump. Far Left: Jack Caughey and Damien Davidson excelling at the track & field.

Telephone (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au

2012

Athlete Leadership Program

News and Events December 2012 Pg. 2

SO Celebrates

(1)

On 5 – On O5 December, SOWA celebrated the International Volunteer

Day with a reception for athletes, volunteers, families and

supporters at the Old Observatory National Heritage building. The

evening commenced with the graduation of the Class of 2011/2012

Athlete Leadership Program. Dr. Fiona Wood and Luke Towers

presented each mentor and mentor with a year book and departing

gift. The farewell of the 2012 Junior National Games team

followed with Phil Croot, Variety presenting the athletes and team

support with their official team jackets. The Trans-Tasman

Tournament games were recognised with Aaron Hewitt reflecting

on the successful competition against New Zealand and other

Australian states. The evening was capped with the announcement

of the State Awards by the Honourable Helen Morton, Minister for

Disability Services.

2012 Junior Athlete of the year – Eloise Bolam –

Equestrian

2012 Athlete of the Year – Justin de Florencas –

Athletics

2012 Volunteer of the Year – Tim Breadmore –

Basketball

2012 Junior

Telephone (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au

O

News and Events December 2012 Pg. 3

State of Origin 2013 3/4/5 May

Kalgoorlie, Western Australia

Special Olympics WA will be extending an invitation to SOSA & SOWA athletes to attend the 2013 State of Origin being held in Kalgoorlie. The annual event will include a weekend of competition; social functions; sightseeing and friendship. Selected athletes will be invited to attend to compete in an individual and a team sport.

SPORTS ON OFFER Aquatics Athletics Basketball Cricket Golf Gymnastics Soccer Softball Lawn bowls (offered to tenpin bowlers)

Thursday pm: Registration Friday: Goldfields sightseeing tours Friday evening: Opening Ceremony Saturday : Competition Saturday night: Dinner and Disco Sunday : Sport & Closing Ceremony

Registration: $250.00 per athlete (Plus travel from Perth)

Put the date in your diaries and await more information in coming months……….

2013 Junior Membership

http://clubsonline.dsr.wa.gov.au/kidsport

Renewals for 2013 Special Olympics membership has now been either emailed to you, or will be posted to your home address in November. If your child is a junior and you qualify, the membership could be covered by Kidsport. What are the eligible criteria?

Applicant must be aged 5-18 years. Applicant must have a Health Care Card or Pension

Concession Card or be referred by a 'recognised' referral agent.

Applicant's primary place of residence must be in the local government area they are applying to

Funding will cover the cost of fees to join the nominated sport or recreation club (this may include other related costs as identified by the club.)

Maximum of up to $200 per child per calendar year.

Fees are only for the nominated registered season.

Uniforms

SOWA State Games 2013 11/12/13 October

Pinjarra, Western Australia

The annual State Games weekend will be held in November in the Shire of Murray. The weekend of activity will include sports, initiative courses and Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

SPORTS ON OFFER

Aquatics Athletics Basketball Cricket Golf Gymnastics Soccer Softball Tenpin Bowling Equestrian

The State Games will be the qualifying event for the

2014 National Games being held in Melbourne, Victoria

Put the date in your diaries and await more information in coming months……….

Telephone (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532 Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au

Bulletin Board December 2012 Pg. 4

Bulletin Board November 2012 Pg. 5

Bulletin Board November 2012 Pg. 3

November 2012 Pg. 3

Perth Metro North Region are seeking new committee members

After many years of active service to Special Olympics in WA, the current Perth Metro North Committee is stepping down from their roles at the end of 2012. The pivotal roles that they have maintained have been crucial in the delivery of the sporting programs for our athletes. We are now seeking a new enthusiastic, motivated team to oversee the stable region going in to 2013. The initial team would comprise of a Regional Chair and Regional Sports Coordinator who, with the support of the State Board and State Office will be actively involved in recruiting the remaining members of their Regional Committee. This committee will bring new skills and talents to complement the existing people who have a vast knowledge of Special Olympics Western Australia, its athletes, coaches, volunteers and its history Positions and Disciplines as per Special Olympics Australia Terms of Reference:

Chair

Vice Chair

Secretary

Treasurer

Athlete Representative

Sports Coordinator The proposed SO Perth Metro North will be comprised of members with skill sets from the following sectors:

Business and networking skills

Finance management or reporting

Contacts with generic sports clubs, disability organisations or schools for people with special needs

Good IT skills

Communication and Public Relations skills

Experience in planning and conducting sports activities

Other experience and skills beneficial to the operations of Special Olympics in the region.

An athlete elected by and representing the athletes of the region

A person familiar with intellectual disability

A person with sports qualification or coaching accreditation

Please note the urgency of the formation of this new committee.

I encourage you to consider your involvement in this committee. For further information, or to nominate, please contact Di Bruce, State Manager at dib@specialolympics.com.au or phone 0410 866 532.

Message From The Chair

On behalf of the State Management Board of Special Olympics Western Australia, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate each and every one of you on your achievements in 2012. Your prowess on the sporting field and your sportsmanship and passion have resulted in many great moments and a growing public profile for Special Olympics Western Australia, an organisation I am extremely proud to be a part of. This is also an opportune time to recognize the enormous contribution of our volunteers, for their participation, patience, empathy and tireless enthusiasm. Without our scores of coaches, assistant coaches, team support, officials, parents and friends, our organisation would not exist. With the year rapidly drawing to a close we will continue to provide and deliver programs in 2013 in a safe and friendly environment. We always seek to ensure that our members discover the skills that allow them to improve their health, develop self-confidence, meet new friends and bring joy to themselves, their families and their community. I urge you to renew your membership in 2013, share your stories of success with your friends and encourage them to join an organisation that embodies acceptance, tolerance, choice and opportunity. I conclude by wishing you all a safe, joyful and meaningful Christmas and I leave you with an inspiring quote to ponder over the break; “All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them.” - Walt Disney

Yours sincerely,

Canon Richard Pengelley

Chair

Special Olympics Western Australia