Team Australia2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games

Athens, Greece

Representing Australia at the World Games changed my life. I got a chance to prove my skills and show my best. Please support the 2011 Aussie team so they can wear the green and gold and do their personal best.

Douglas, 2007 World Games Basketball Gold Medalist

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On 25 June 2011, 131 Australian athletes with an intellectual disability will march into the stadium in Athens to represent our country at the Special Olympics World Summer Games.

For the next week, they will proudly wear their green and gold uniform as they compete in 11 sports, alongside 7,500 competitors from 185 countries.

Next year’s event will be the largest sporting event in the world in 2011 and this mass celebration of achievement will be on a scale as grand as the Olympic Games and in the home of the Olympic movement.

Our athletes have trained regularly and worked hard to reach the pinnacle of our competition ladder, and now they are preparing for the event with their volunteer coaches.

At the same time they are fundraising to get to the Games as the actual cost to participate is $10,000 per athlete. That means we need to raise $1.3 million to get our team to Athens.

As a not-for-profit organisation, supporting over 5,000 athletes with an intellectual disability across Australia, we’re asking you to show your generosity by donating to an athlete, a sports team or the entire Australian squad.

Your assistance will allow the Australian Special Olympics team to feel proud and achieve their personal best on the world stage.

Every four years Special Olympics Australia is proud to provide an opportunity for our athletes to enjoy the thrill of international competition at the World Summer Games.

But on a daily basis our core purpose is to provide regular sports participation and competition to as many athletes with an intellectual disability as we can through our network of dedicated volunteers and local clubs.

While some athletes strive to win medals, others enjoy the chance to get active, have fun, make friends and feel part of a family. Whatever their motivation, we encourage all athletes to feel proud of themselves in a world where they face challenges.

People with an intellectual disability are often ridiculed, misunderstood, isolated or simply ignored. Yet, with the understanding and support of Special Olympics they reveal their talents and discover new skills which allows them to improve their health and fitness, develop self-confidence and grow socially.

We hope you will learn more about Special Olympics, be inspired by our athletes and best of all, get involved!

Meet Team Australia

Excited Australian athletes prepare to enter the stadium for the 2007 World Games. Photo by Dale Watson.

For more information or to make a donation go to: www.specialolympics.com.au

Games HistorySoon after the Special Olympics movement was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the 1960s she recognised the need for a platform to reach the larger public and mobilise people of influence.

Although Special Olympics was steadily changing the lives of people with an intellectual disability in local communities through year-round training, Eunice wanted to change public opinion – fast! So, the World Games were born with the first international competition held in Chicago in 1968.

In her Opening Ceremony address Mrs Shriver declared, ‘The Chicago Special Olympics prove a very fundamental fact, that exceptional people – people with an intellectual disability – can be exceptional athletes. Through sports they can realise their potential for growth.’

Next year the World Games in Athens will be a huge-scale celebration of the achievements of Special Olympics athletes.

The Australian team will do our nation proud and we invite you to be part of the journey by supporting the team and following their progress during the Games at:

Brenton Jackson-Dimond Echuca-Campaspe, VIC I am looking forward to doing my best.

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Cameron Fraser Melbourne West, VIC I am going to enjoy watching the half marathon in Greece.

lGlenn Patterson Northern, TAS I am excited to travel and meet people from around the world.

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Jim AarsseSunshine Coast, QLD I am excited to compete at world level and representing Australia.

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Kai ArmstrongGold Coast, QLD I will be doing what I love in Athens – run!

lKatie Wheeldon Northern, TAS I love making friends, having fun and playing lots of sports.

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Kimberley Langton Gympie, QLDI am excited about the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

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Kristin Mercer Sydney South, NSW I am thrilled to compete at my third World Games.

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Matthew PascoeRedcliffe, QLD I will enjoy meeting and competing with new people.

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Michelle Cotter Gympie, QLD I will enjoy meeting new people and learning about other cultures.

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Nicole GrothBrisbane North, QLD I will make Australia proud by doing my best!

lPaul Gilbert Perth, WA I like Special Olympics because it makes me feel I belong somewhere.

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Taylor DoyleSydney West, NSW I want to compete against the world and run on the Olympic Track!

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Vincent HallNorth West, TAS I feel really awesome. I can’t wait to be in Athens!

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Ella PardyPerth, WA I feel proud to be representing Australia and my family.

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Dylan Coop Perth, WAI am looking forward to meeting new friends.

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Ethan Chan Redcliffe QLD I am learning about Greece and its sights.

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Garrick Snell Perth, WA I will compete like my sporting hero Kieran Perkins.

lGreg BlackPerth, WA I am excited to be able to meet people from other parts of the world.

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Josh TimbsSouthern, TASI will do my best. I can’t wait to be in Greece!

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Keiran CorryHunter Valley, NSWI am looking forward to meeting people from different countries.

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Kieran Johnson-Vickers Melb. Inner East, VIC I am looking forward to swimming for Australia.

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Lucinda Giblin Southern, TASI am excited to be going to another country.

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Megan NewallSydney South, NSW I am glad Special Olympics is giving me a chance to compete.

lSharlene GardinerSunshine Coast, QLD I am excited to compete where the Olympics started.

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Taylor Corry Hunter Valley, NSW I will break more records.

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Tim Beattie Northern, TASI will compete to the best of my ability. I’m excited to be part of the team.

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Taylor DoyleSydney West, NSW I want to compete against the world and run on the Olympic Track!

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Allister PeekCanberra ACT I am excited to meet people from other countries.

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Alyse SaxbyHunter Valley, NSW I look forward to seeing the water and hopefully the islands!

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Bronwyn IbbotsonCanberra, ACT I am excited to sail in boats I haven’t sailed in before!

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Michael LeydonCanberra, ACT I look forward to watching, teaching, and cheering my athletes!

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Belinda HillGold Coast, QLD I look forward to representing my country and to hopefully win.

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Robert HamiltonHunter Valley, NSW I look forward to the fellowship in our Aussie sail team.

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Sonja GilmoreGold Coast, QLD I am honoured to compete at my third World Games.

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Stephen PonderCanberra, ACT I look forward to competing against other countries.

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Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Special Olympics Athletes’ Oath‘ ’

Adrian Visscher Brisbane West, QLDI am looking forward to winning!

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Bradley SouthwellSydney South, NSW I am looking forward to walking out with the team at the Opening Ceremony.

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Brenton Heslehurst Brisbane North, QLD I am excited about the trip and playing for my country.

lChris WrightGold Coast, QLDI am pleased to be going to Greece to play football for Australia.

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Elijah BondGympie, QLDI am excited to play the game I love in international competition.

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Jason BlackadderRoselands, NSWI am going to enjoy my time and play good football for Australia.

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Marcello Virgona Dandenong Valley, VIC I am looking forward to the World Games.

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Michael MillsBrisbane North, QLDI will enjoy playing football.

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Nathan WestBrisbane West, QLD I will catch up with old friends and hopefully bring home a medal!

lOwen NicolsonBlue Mountains, NSW I am excited to visit another country.

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Peter Zapantis Dandenong Valley, VIC I look forward to travelling. I have never been outside Australia.

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Simon Pollock Dandenong Valley, VICI look forward to working with different coaches and players.

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Todd SchaeferGold Coast, QLD I like Special Olympics because it keeps me fit and builds confidence.

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Vincenzo ScipioneDandenong Valley, VIC I will be proud to have my family watching me in Athens.

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Christian FurlanOvens & Murray, VIC I will play my best in Athens for my coach and my country.

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Faron Brockie Ovens & Murray, VIC I have been training hard to do well at the World Games.

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James Duncan Brisbane North, QLDI have trained regularly to be fit to represent Australia.

lLachlan CroftOvens & Murray, VICI am excited about playing for Australia like my hero Tim Cahill.

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Luke Kennedy Hunter Valley, NSW I look forward to travelling, exploring, having fun!

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Marcel VermulstDandenong Valley, VICI look forward to going on a plane and visiting another country.

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Maxwell WayteNew England, NSW I am a fan of the Socceroos. Now I can represent my country too.

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Michael BarkerBlue Mountains, NSW I look forward playing football in Athens with the Australian team.

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Shaun McKee Redcliffe, QLDI feel a sense of achievement being on the team.

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Chris RaneGold Coast, QLDI look forward to making my family proud and playing well.

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Ben Tuddenham Ballarat, VIC I look forward to seeing the skill our team will bring to the Games.

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Bernadette Barden Central West, NSW I feel excited about going to Greece and playing basketball.

lEliza BardenCentral West, NSW I enjoy playing against other countries.

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Bradley KinrossAdelaide, SA I look forward to playing against other countries and making new friends.

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Jasmine CrewdsonAdelaide, SA I feel very happy. This means a lot to me and I will do my best.

lWayne KinrossAdelaide, SA I like Special Olympics because it makes me feel positive in life.

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Jennifer EnsorMelbourne Southern, VICI can’t wait to compete and I will have my 30th birthday in Greece!

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Brent Morris Sunshine Coast, QLD I will do my best and represent my country with pride and respect.

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Lisa KeenSydney South, NSW I look forward to getting to know my team and playing for my country.

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James MaxellAdelaide, SAI look forward to seeing where the first Olympics were held.

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Meagan MooreDandenong Valley, VIC I am looking forward to playing as a team.

lJohn Wilson Melb. Eastern Ranges, VICI look forward to meeting new friends and playing sport.

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Nicole HarrisSydney South, NSW I am excited about staying in the athlete’s village and the Greek scenery.

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Keelan CrawfordCentral West, NSW I am excited to spend an enjoyable time with the team.

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Matt Tuddenham Ballarat, VIC I am happy to be on the Australian team with my brother, Ben.

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Rebecca SargeantAdelaide, SA I am very proud to be representing Special Olympics Australia.

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Belinda HancockCanberra, ACTI am honoured to be part of the team.

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Daniel TsatsaronisAdelaide, SA I look forward to having fun, making friends and doing my best.

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Gerrelle King Hunter Valley, NSW I look forward to travelling and competing at a world level.

lKrystal BrownRiverland, SAI am really, really looking forward to the World Games.

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Kylie TrevarthenBarwon, VICI have never been overseas before so I am excited about the Games.

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Lyn TannerNorthern, TASI am excited to compete in a new country and show my skills.

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Matthew HunterSydney North, NSW I look forward to developing my bowling skills further.

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Raymond ScottMelb. Eastern Ranges, VICI am excited about bowling for my country and going overseas.

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Stephen O’MayGympie, QLD I look forward to competing because this is my first World Games.

lSteven MarshallSouth Coast, NSW I am very excited and I hope to do well. I’d like a gold medal!

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Vaughan NilssonBrisbane North, QLD I know now that I can achieve anything that I set myself to do!

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Viliamu TumaaliiMacarthur, NSWI am excited to compete in my first World Games.

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Alexander HayesSydney South, NSW I am excited to represent Australia and experience a different culture.

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Amanda PattersonRedcliffe, QLD I will be trying to improve my golf and I am just happy to be on the team.

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Craig ReadTweed, NSWSpecial Olympics has given me self-belief. I am honoured to be on the team.

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Kate WilsonSunshine Coast, QLDI look forward to playing good golf and spending time with other athletes.

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Matthew CalkinPerth, WA I am excited to experience the culture and food of Athens.

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Matthew Curley Redcliffe, QLDI am excited about being on the team and trying Greek food!

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Steven RobsonCentral Coast, NSWI am excited to compete against athletes from different countries.

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You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence, you send a message to every village, every city, every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory: The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to hold a job? You have earned it. The right to be anyone’s neighbor? You have earned it. The days of separation and segregation are over!Eunice Kennedy Shriver in her opening speech at the international games in 1987

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Ashley KuhleRoselands, NSW I look forward to competing at world level in front of my family.

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Brett McClymontBrisbane North, QLDI will enjoy the Opening Ceremony and I’ll have fun competing.

lChris BuntonRoselands, NSW I will do my best and represent Australia with honour and pride.

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Joshua GraySydney North, NSW I am proud to represent Australia. I love that we are going to Greece.

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Kim JensenBrisbane North, QLD I am going to Greece!!!

lRebecca PrestonMacarthur, NSW I am so excited that I will celebrate my birthday at the World Games!

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Rhianna SinclairRoselands, NSWI get to represent my country and make people proud! I am so excited!

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Stephanie AldertonHunter Valley, NSW I am excited to be on the team. I hope to learn the culture.

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Tracie SammutSydney South, NSW This is a dream! I will be a good ambassador for people with disabilities.

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Andrew Robbins Dandenong Valley, VICI look forward to getting to know my teammates and representing my country!

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Ian JohnsMelb. Inner East, VIC I am happy that I can compete against people from around the world.

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Melissa LeeGold Coast, QLD I look forward to travelling outside Australia for my first time.

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Cassy Geffke Barwon, VIC I look forward to doing my best in Athens.

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Natalie JansenCanberra, ACT I am very excited to be part of the World Games team!

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Andrew MujunenUpper Nth Shore, NSWI look forward to wearing the green and gold and playing softball.

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Bronwyn Russell Perth, WAI am excited to compete in softball in the home of the Olympics.

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Cameron TurnerMelbourne Southern, VICI am excited to represent Australia in softball and experience Greek culture.

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Craig Hansen Southern, TASI am honoured to be on the team and I believe I can achieve my best.

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Garry BurnsideSouthern, TASI am proud that we get a fair go to experience international competition.

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Harrison LangfordUpper Nth Shore, NSWI am excited about going to the other side of the world to compete.

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Mel EustaceUpper Nth Shore, NSWI am proud that I will be able to wear the green and gold.

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Paul McKendryPerth, WAI will have fun, try my best and hopefully win gold!

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Peter ForsytheMelbourne Southern, VICI am excited to see the crowd when we march into the stadium.

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Steven WhiteMelbourne Southern, VICI look forward to walking into the stadium at the Opening Ceremony.

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Chloe Johnston Gold Coast, QLDI am on the team because Special Olympics has given me confidence.

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Jodie Greenwood Sydney South, NSWI am excited to be on the team and hope to enjoy Greek hospitality.

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Kelly Binns Northern, TASI am excited about competing at the highest level.

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Michael WrenSydney South, NSWI look forward to playing new opponents from other countries.

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Mitchell JamesRedcliffe, QLDI want to play good tennis like my hero Lleyton Hewitt

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Neil ForsterBrisbane North, QLDI won’t be a person with a disability. I will be an athlete and feel like a star.

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Renee BelleggiaBarwon, VICI am excited to represent Australia and see the home of the Olympics.

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William CaldwellDandenong Valley, VICI am looking forward to new people and new experiences.

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Kelly WrenSydney South, NSWI am excited to compete in 2011. My first World Games was in 1999.

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Nick Lorenz Sydney North, NSWI am proud to be part of a team of winners even if we don’t get a medal!

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Christopher BourkeMelbourne Southern, VICI am proud to be part of the team and excited to see new things!

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Jaydan WilliamsKalgoorlie, WAIt means a lot to me to be selected for the softball team.

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Russell Nelligan Perth, WA I am excited about being on the team and trying Greek food!

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Team Officials The Australian team will be assisted by 40 team officials who have volunteered their time to encourage and support athletes to achieve their personal best in Greece.

Australian Capital TerritoryTerry Peek, Head Coach, Sailing

New South WalesPeter Hedges, Head Coach, AquaticsMary Greig, Head Coach, AthleticsCarmen Skidmore, Head Coach, Basketball (Men)Fran Eustace, Head Coach, SoftballEddie Meechan, Head Coach, Football (7-a-side)Ellena Morris, Assistant Coach, AquaticsPaul Phelan, Assistant Coach, Football (7-a-side)Kevin Borger, Assistant Coach, GolfKenn Brown, Team Support, AthleticsLeanne Secomb, Team Support, Basketball (Women)Kelly Milroy, Team Support, GymnasticsArran Saunders, Team Support, SportDenise Sorraine, Team Support, Accommodation

QueenslandAnna-Louise Kassulke, Head of DelegationSuzy Chainey, Assistant Head of DelegationMargaret Robertson, Head Coach, Basketball (Women)Jeff Stewart, Head Coach, BocceShirley Johnston, Head Coach, BowlingTheiry Visscher, Head Coach, Football (11-a-side)Jeremy Smith, Head Coach, GolfNeil Heyme, Head Coach, TennisJill Aitken, Assistant Coach, BowlingDaphne Bale, Assistant Coach, TennisBevan Heslehurst, Assistant Coach, Football (11-a-side)Robert Thompson, Assistant Coach, Football (11-a-side)Natalie Upshall, Assistant Coach, GymnasticsChris Ruston, Assistant Coach, SailingAnnette Dundas, Medical PersonnelSusan Bennett-Yeo, Team Support, Accommodation Jennifer Gould, Team Support, Sport

South AustraliaLeanne Vanderhoek, Assistant Coach, AquaticsLisa Hester, Team Support, Tennis

TasmaniaLeigh Oswin, Head Coach, GymnasticsVicki Forsyth, Assistant Coach, Athletics

VictoriaDavid Milne, Assistant Coach, Basketball (Men)Robert Bruin, Assistant Coach, SoftballElizabeth Crouch, Medical PersonnelAlicia McGain, Team Support, Athletics

Western AustraliaBrooke Galupo, Assistant Coach, Softball

Special Olympics Australia is an outstanding sporting movement that embraces extraordinary human qualities.

I am very proud of this year-round celebration, and in particular, of how it nurtures talent, skill, energy and verve in a safe and supportive space.

Special Olympics allows people with an intellectual disability to unlock and explore their potential through the experience of sport.

It also challenges negative beliefs that can surround people with a disability and stop them from achieving their personal best.

Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Patron, Special Olympics Australia

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New South WalesAlexander Hayes, GolfAlyse Saxby, SailingAndrew Mujunen, SoftballAshley Kuhle, GymnasticsBernadette Barden, Basketball Bradley Southwell, FootballChris Bunton, GymnasticsCraig Read, GolfEliza Barden, Basketball Gerrelle King, BowlingHarrison Langford, SoftballJason Blackadder, FootballJodie Greenwood, TennisJoshua Gray, GymnasticsKeelan Crawford, Basketball Keiran Corry, AquaticsKelly Wren, TennisKristin Mercer, AthleticsLisa Keen, Basketball Luke Kennedy, FootballMatthew Hunter, BowlingMaxwell Wayte, FootballMegan Newell, AquaticsMelissa Eustace, SoftballMichael Barker, FootballMichael Wren, TennisMichael Leydon, Sailing Nick Lorenz, TennisNicole Harris, Basketball Owen Nicolson, FootballRebecca Preston, GymnasticsRhianna Sinclair, GymnasticsRobert Hamilton, Sailing Stephanie Alderton, GymnasticsSteven Marshall, BowlingSteven Robson, GolfTaylor Corry, AquaticsTaylor Doyle, AthleticsTracie Sammut, GymnasticsViliamu Tumaalii, Bowling

South AustraliaBradley Kinross, Basketball Daniel Tsatsaronis, BowlingJames Maxwell, Basketball Jasmine Crewdson, Basketball Krystal Brown, BowlingRebecca Sargeant, Basketball Wayne Kinross, Basketball

QueenslandAdrian Visscher, FootballAmanda Patterson, GolfBelinda Hill, SailingBrent Morris, Basketball Brenton Heslehurst, FootballBrett McClymont, GymnasticsChloe Johnston, TennisChris Rane, FootballChristopher Wright, FootballElijah Bond, FootballEthan Chan, AquaticsJames Duncan, FootballJim Aarsse, AthleticsKai Armstrong, AthleticsKathryn Wilson, GolfKim Jensen, GymnasticsKimberley Langton, AthleticsMatthew Curley, GolfMatthew Pascoe, AthleticsMelissa Lee, BocceMichael Mills, FootballMichelle Cotter, AthleticsMitchell James, TennisNathan West, FootballNeil Forster, TennisNicole Groth, AthleticsSharlene Gardiner, AquaticsShaun McKee, FootballSonja Gilmore, SailingStephen O’May, BowlingTodd Schaefer, FootballVaughan Nilsson, Bowling

Western AustraliaBronwyn Russell, SoftballDylan Coop, AquaticsElla Pardy, AthleticsGarrick Snell, AquaticsGregory Black, AquaticsJaydan Williams, SoftballMatthew Calkin, GolfPaul McKendry, SoftballPaul Gilbert, AthleticsRussel Nelligan, Softball

VictoriaAndrew Robbins, BocceBen Tuddenham, Basketball Brenton Jackson-Dimond, AthleticsCameron Fraser, AthleticsCameron Turner, SoftballCassy Geffke, GymnasticsChristian Furlan, FootballChristopher Bourke, SoftballFaron Brockie, FootballIan Johns, BocceJennifer Ensor, Basketball John Wilson, Basketball Kieran Johnson-Vickers, AquaticsKylie Trevarthen, BowlingLachlan Croft, FootballMarcel Vermulst, FootballMarcello Virgona, FootballMatt Tuddenham, Basketball Meagan Moore, Basketball Peter Forsythe, SoftballPeter Zapantis, FootballRaymond Scott, BowlingRenee Belleggia, TennisSimon Pollock, FootballSteven White, SoftballVincenzo Scipione, FootballWilliam Caldwell, Tennis

Australian Capital TerritoryAllister Peek, SailingBelinda Hancock, BowlingBronwyn Ibbotson, SailingNatalie Jansen, BocceStephen Ponder, Sailing

TasmaniaTimothy Beattie, AquaticsKelly Binns, TennisGlenn Patterson, AthleticsLyn Tanner, BowlingKatie Wheeldon, AthleticsGarry Burnside, SoftballLucinda Giblin, AquaticsCraig Hansen, SoftballJosh Timbs, AquaticsVincent Hall, Athletics

Team Australia Athletes

Special Olympics Australia, PO Box 62, Concord West NSW 2138, (02) 8116 9833info@specialolympics.com.au, ABN 28 050 738 728, www.specialolympics.com.auFor more information about sponsorship opportunities for the World Games team please contact:Alex McNeilly, (02) 8116 9833, alexm@specialolympics.com.au