By Bonny Burrows
Olympic fever is coming to Pakenham next month when Cardinia Life Leisure Centre hosts the Special Olympics Victoria’s (SOV) Winter State Games competition.
On 15 and 16 July, 250 athletes from across South East Australia will compete in basketball and tenpin bowling events at both Pakenham and Narre Warren.
Special Olympics Australia National Sports Development and Partnerships manager Simon Rodder said the state games were a wonderful opportunity for athletes to participate against each other in a competitive event.
“Our athletes from across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania are really excited for these State Games, as they are a qualifying event to be eligible for selection for the Special Olympics Australia National Games in April 2018,” Mr Rodder said.
The games, he said, were friendly but full of healthy competition, with participants giving it all they have.
“It’s always a fierce competition in both the basketball and tenpin bowling that ends with smiles and high fives,” Mr Rodder said.
“As well as the tough battle on the courts and lanes, the event is a great opportunity to give athletes and their families a chance to reconnect and for new friendships to be made in the name of inclusive sport”.
The games will kick off on 15 July at 9.30am with an opening ceremony in Pakenham featuring a torch lighting ceremony and parade.
It is followed by more than 50 basketball games over the weekend, as well as some fierce bowling at Oz Tenpin Bowling, Narre Warren.
For more information on the games, visit: www.specialolympics.com.au/
