Special Olympics athletes gather for Trans Tasman clash

Special Olympics athletes gather for Trans Tasman clash

Hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities from throughout New Zealand and Australia are preparing to gather in Hamilton later this week (25-27 November), for the Special Olympics Trans Tasman Tournament.

The Tournament, which includes the sports of athletics and swimming will see nearly 300 New Zealand and 120 Australian athletes of all ages and abilities competing against their peers. For many of the athletes it will be their first opportunity to compete in an international competition.

“The purpose of the Trans Tasman Tournament is to give our athletes more opportunity to compete, particulary for those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to compete internationally, says Kathy Gibson, Chief Executive for Special Olympics New Zealand.

“This event is designed with the skills and abilities of all athletes top of mind, and is much shorter in duration than the Special Olympics World Games.”

The 2016 competition is the third Trans Tasman Tournament held between Special Olympics New Zealand and Australia. The inaugural Trans Tasman Tournament was held in Wellington in 2011 and included football and basketball. A subsequent event was held in Cairns in 2012 and featured athletics, basketball, ten pin bowling and football.

Special Olympics Australia CEO, Corene Strauss, who will be in New Zealand for the Tournament, said “We have a great relationship with Special Olympics New Zealand so it makes sense for us to join forces to strengthen sport for people with an intellectual disability in the Asia-Pacific region. The Aussie athletes are really excited to be heading across the Tasman where they will play fair, while doing all they can to win a medal. We have plenty of family members heading across the Tasman too so we’ll be an enthusiastic delegation. Good luck to all competitors!”

The Trans Tasman Tournament is also being supported by nearly 150 volunteer coaches and management staff, over 500 family members and a stong contingent of local volunteers.

All athletics events will take place at Porritt Stadium, Crosby Road, Chedworth Park while the swimming events will be held at Waterworld, Garnett Avenue, Forest Lake.

To find out more about the Trans Tasman Tournament and view the full list of competing athletes visit www.specialolympics.org.nz/transtasman

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