Special Olympians shine

Over the weekend of 20th and 21st August eight athletes and four volunteers travelled in Special Olympics South Coast bus to Bateau Bay on the Central Coast for a regional 10 pin bowling competition

The event was attended by eleven Special Olympics clubs from around NSW with 98 athletes in all.

The South Coast club included 8 athletes from Bega, Moruya, Batemans Bay and Ulladulla.

Kathy Porteous, Vice Chair of Special Olympics South Coast, who lives in Wolumla, commented that it was worth travelling the long distances just to see the joy and pride on the faces of the athletes. She loved seeing the athletes meeting up with old friends and making new ones.

Jason Russell, from Mollymook, said how happy he was with his performance in the doubles event. "I like teaming up with his new Special O mate, Mitchell Porteous from Wolumla" .

All of the athletes were presented ribbons for their achievements in each division competed in and are now looking forward to next competition in Shellharbour at the end of September.

Most of the athletes will be at Moruya Bowling Club on Saturday 27 August for the fundraiser the club is hosting to raise funds for Special Olympics South Coast and especially for Craig and Laurie who will be representing NSW in basketball at the Launceston Special Olympics National Games in October. Kathy Porteous says "Be great to see lots of people there to support this amazing group of people".

Back row: Heidi Jay, Kathy Godwin (volunteer), Amy Lockton, Liz Russell (volunteer), James Russell, Mitchell Porteous, Kathy Porteous (volunteer), Joshua Dewberry

Front: Breanna Fisher, Liz Godwin, Hayley Badenoch - Photo supplied