For over 30 years, Special Olympics Waitākere has provided life-changing sporting opportunities to local athletes with intellectual disabilities. Westies can enjoy the excitement of competition, the thrill of achievement, and improved health and wellbeing. Most importantly, they develop a sense of community and have lots of fun.
The Special Olympics is a national and international movement. Out West, the charitable organisation offers weekly training and competitions in various sports, including football, golf, swimming, ten-pin bowling, and basketball.
According to Waitākere club chair Rhonda Vegar, around 85 West Auckland athletes participate in the programme. Many just enjoy taking part, while more competitive ones can participate in regional and national tournaments. There are even opportunities to represent New Zealand at the Special Olympics World Games.
It’s a lifeline for many local athletes and their families. Rhonda says that life-long friendships are forged between participants and whānau. ‘There’s a real camaraderie among the athletes who enjoy being part of a team,’ she declares.
Many athletes come to Special Olympics Waitākere through local schools, word of mouth, or via the website and social media.
The Waitākere club recently hosted a football ribbon day at Parrs Park. Basketballers, swimmers and bowlers also got to shine at various ribbon day events throughout the region. These are just some of the fantastic opportunities made possible by Special Olympics Waitākere.
However, as a charitable organisation, money is always in short supply. ‘We depend on funding to support our athletes’ programmes,’ advises Rhonda.
An application to the Your West Support Fund has made a massive difference. Rhonda reports that $8,086 helped pay for hiring the basketball courts at Rutherford College and the swimming pool at Massey High School.
‘Thanks to the Your West Support Fund, we have been able to offer weekly training sessions to swimmers and basketballers at no or low cost,’ says Rhonda.
She reports that some families are struggling with the current cost-of-living crisis. Now, more athletes with intellectual disabilities get to enjoy the sport they love.
Check out the Special Olympics’ website for more information, or follow the Waitākere club on Facebook.
