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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2013-03-07 Daily Xml
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SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Ms BETTISON (Ramsay) (15:07): My question is to the Minister for Disabilities. Can the Minister for Disabilities inform the house of the achievements of people involved in Special Olympics South Australia?

The Hon. A. PICCOLO (Light—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Disabilities, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (15:07): I would like to thank the honourable member for the question and just acknowledge her ongoing commitment to people with a disability. Special Olympics is a worldwide movement that inspires people with an intellectual disability to achieve their personal best through regular sport and competition. It's not a single event and it's not just for the elite.

Special Olympics provides opportunity for all people with an intellectual disability, regardless of their skill level. While some Special Olympics athletes strive to win medals, others enjoy the chance to get active, have fun, make friends and be part of a sporting family. Much like mainstream sport, the Special Olympics competition structure offers athletes the chance to progress from local through to international competition. At events, athletes are placed in divisions so they can compete against people of similar ability.

Sadly, people with an intellectual disability are at times ridiculed, misunderstood, isolated or simply ignored, yet, with the understanding and support of organisations such as Special Olympics, they discover the skills that allow them to improve their health, develop self-confidence and bring fulfilment to themselves, their families and their community.

With the Special Olympics South Australia patron—our state Governor—I recently had the pleasure of being invited to the annual Special Olympics South Australia awards night. The ceremony recognised athletes and coaches for their commitment and outstanding effort over the past 12 months in their respective fields. Importantly, the ceremony gave particular recognition to the work of volunteers and the crucial work they do behind the scenes. This year's award winners in their respective categories were:

Lisa Niblett, who won the Bill Bowden Encouragement Award;

Igor Negrâo, who was awarded the Coach of the Year;

Liz Kinross, winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award;

the Junior Athlete of the Year was won by Charlie Wilkins;

the Female Athlete of the Year, Katie Williams;

the Male Athlete of the Year, Toby Sutherland; and

Nathan Balkwill was the winner of the Special Olympics Athlete of the Year

Athletes who represented South Australia in the 2012 Trans-Tasman and National Junior Games were also recognised on the night. Behind every one of these awards there is an inspiring story of courage, commitment and an unflinching desire to live life to the fullest. I wish to congratulate all of the athletes who were nominated, all of the participants and their families, and all the volunteers who are so vital to the ongoing success of Special Olympics South Australia.

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