Special Olympics Western Australia November 2012

Word from the West Pg. 1

SO,

Basketball State Games

The 2012 SOWA Basketball State Games were held on Friday 2nd November at Joondalup Arena. Five teams entered the two division competition and plenty of action was happening on two courts which were setup for the games. It was the first Basketball State Games that the Mirrabooka ESC had participated in and a big thanks to Tim Breadmore for organising the athletes to attend. The Gold Medal game in Division 2 went into overtime so there was plenty of action happening on the court and plenty of cheering from the parents and spectators on the side lines. A big thank you to Julie Williams for organising and coordinating the games. We would also like to thank Sam Callow, Tanya Hewitt and Kristy Blakers who are regulars at the Joondalup Friday night basketball as they umpired the respective games.

Wildcats invite SOWA to the Arena

Perth Wildcat’s CEO, Nick Marvin, a long-time friend of SOWA’s, invited our basketball players to the opening night of the Wildcat’s season at their new home, the Perth Arena. The Wildcats versed the Adelaide 36ers in a fierce battle in front of the 12,500 crowd. Members from Perth Metro North’s three basketball programs all thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of the night. The chant of the crowd and the thumping of the inspiring music complemented the sea of black and red from SOWA and Wildcats fans. Thanks Nick!

Tenpin Bowling State Games

The 2012 SOWA Tenpin Bowling State Games were held on Saturday 10th November at Superbowl Warwick. 61 athletes took to the lanes to compete in the game which was hotly contested and some athletes not only brought their best effort but their highest scores as personal bests were achieved. The doubles competition was in the morning followed by the singles competition in the afternoon. A big thank you goes to Genine Hunter who organised and coordinated the event along with a thank you for Jill Rendell, Lindsay Murphy and the team at Superbowl Warwick for hosting the event and their ongoing support. We also greatly appreciate the lane marshals who assisted on the day; your continued support is amazing. Another successful tenpin bowling games with plenty of medals, ribbons, personal bests and stories to share.

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

Basketball State Games

Tenpin Bowling State Games

Athlete Leadership Program

UWA Sports Support SOWA

The UWA Intercollege Sport Committee ran a mixed netball tournament on October 21st to raise money for Special Olympics Western Australia. The event was a huge success with 13 teams entering the tournament across the 5 colleges and over 130 people attending. The donations from local businesses, individual colleges and proceeds from the event all went to Special Olympics. The committee were happy to donate all this money to Special Olympics Western Australia to continue the work we do. Thanks to the committee and all the players that participated.

Michael Snart is a Team Player

Michael Snart, SOWA volunteer and Community Sports Link Officer recently was recognised by his peers from ECU Joondalup. On completion of his tertiary studies in Sports Management, he was awarded the “Students Choice Award” for the best poster presentation for his Industry Practice that he committed to Special Olympics Western Australia. Well done Michael and thanks for all of your great work that you dedicated to SOWA.

News and Events November 2012 Pg. 2

ALPs mentor Sebastian Kirby with UWA Intercollege Sports Committee representative Kelly Fitzsimons

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

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

Mandurah Cricket Champs Take to the Field

77 students from numerous Mandurah schools congregated at Mandurah Cricket Club grounds for a morning of cricket skills, sports and fun. Our friends from the WACA supported the day in the delivery of the drill rotations with all children of all abilities and ages participating in the experience. Thanks to the Mandurah Cricket Club for hosting the day and to Brad and Tim from the WACA for helping us on the day.

News and Events November 2012 Pg. 3

Christchurch Grammar Ribbon Day

For the second year, Christchurch Grammar hosted a Community Sports-Link Ribbon Day. Four schools were represented from North Balga Moortidj Unit, Burbridge Education Support Centre, Cloverdale Education Support Centre and Peter Moyes Centre, Christchurch Grammar School. Employees from Chevron supported the day and had fun assisting the children in the sporting activities. Industry partners from Cricket Champs; Football West; Softball WA and Royal Life Saving Society of WA delivered the sports. A highlight of the day was a visit from Honourable Terry Waldron MLA, Minister for Sport and Recreation, and Nick Sloan, Policy Advisory. A huge thanks to everyone involved in the day.

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

Bulletin Board November 2012 Pg. 4

WA Young Australian of the Year

Akram Azimi

On Saturday 23 November, Western Australian Governor, Malcolm McCusker announced the recipients of the Australian of the Year Awards. One of our very own, Akram Azimi, SOWA Athlete Leadership Program mentor was announced as the 2013 WA Young Australian of the Year. Akram Azimi is a dedicated mentor to young Indigenous people and to our Special Olympic athlete, Brad Osborne to help raise community awareness of disability issues. Arriving in Australia 13 years ago from Afghanistan he went from being ‘an ostracised refugee kid with no prospects’ to becoming his school's head boy. An outstanding student, he topped the tertiary entrance exam scores among his classmates. He's now studying a triple major – law, science and arts – at the University of Western Australia. Intent on giving back to his adopted country, Akram uses his leadership and pastoral skills to help young people in remote and rural Western Australia. Congratulations Akram!!.

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……….

State Sports Manager’s Say

What is the Special Olympics Advancement Cycle?

The 4 year advancement cycle governs how athletes in Special Olympics advance from one level of competition to the next.

Year 1

Regional

Year 2

State Games

Year 3

National Games

Year 4

World Games

We are currently coming to the end of Year 1 of the current cycle. Our next advancement event will be our WA State Games 2013 (dates will be finalised by our next newsletter). Athletes must compete in these games to be eligible to advance to the National Games in Melbourne 2014. Only athletes who compete in Melbourne are eligible to advance to the World Games in LA 2015. Come 2016 we start again, back at year 1! Of course athletes eligible to advance to the next level of competition must be sectioned to do so....watch this space as we will explain selections in the next newsletter.

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

Bulletin Board November 2012 Pg.5

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

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

DECEMBER

3rd Dec State Board International Day of People with Disabilities

5th Dec State Board "SO Celebrates 2012" The Old Observatory, West Perth, 5pm to 7pm

5th Dec - 7 Dec SOWA Special Olympics Junior National Games Newcastle, NSW

11-Dec State Board State Board Meeting Sirona Capital Building

Bulletin Board November 2012 Pg. 6

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.

LUKE SIMPKINS MP Federal Member for Cowan,