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Press Release: Special Olympics NZ

New Zealand represented for first time

A team of Special Olympics New Zealand athletes takes off to Australia today (Thursday 28 November) to represent New Zealand for the first time at the Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games.

The Special Olympics 2013 Asia Pacific Games, being held from 30 November to 7 December, is the largest event for people with intellectual disabilities in Australasia with around 2000 athletes and coaches from across 32 countries in the Asia Pacific region attending.

The athletes will compete across nine sports: Aquatics, Athletics, Badminton, Bocce, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Table Tennis, and Ten Pin Bowling.

The Games kicks off with a two-hour Opening Ceremony spectacular of music, dance and fireworks to be held at Hunter Stadium on Sunday 1 December 2013.

Special Olympics New Zealand is sending a team of 21 athletes to the Games. Nine support staff will accompany the athletes, including Head of Delegation Shayne Crabtree, Assistant Head of Delegation Shona Hendra, six coaches, and team doctor Gill Harrington.

Each athlete has been responsible for raising an average of $2,500 to attend the Games. It is the first time many of the athletes have represented New Zealand on the international stage.

Special Olympics New Zealand is holding a Chairman’s Brunch on Thursday morning (28 November) at the Brentwood Hotel in Wellington to farewell the team.

Tags: special olympics