Special need athletes party

Riverwood-based SO Flinders is a volunteer-run club offering weekly sporting programs for athletes with an intellectual disability.
With over 50 special needs athletes registered from Canterbury Bankstown, SO Flinders features tennis, ten-pin bowling, gymnastics, athletics and basketball at various venues including running Bocce at Padstow Bowling Club on the fourth Friday night of the month.
SO chairperson Natalie Johnston says the club’s aim is to continue to support even more athletes, of any age with an intellectual disability, to participate in sport and gain the benefits that it provides – everything from the social and emotional benefits, to fitness and health.
“As well as providing the opportunity to learn a sport on a weekly basis, Special Olympics also has a competitive pathway that provides opportunities for athletes to learn how to compete against one another, to travel and be a part of a team as well as the opportunity to be a part of an even wider network and community across the State,” she said.
“We all love seeing the athletes improve each week but most of all seeing them enjoying themselves while keeping fit is the greatest part of what we do; sports participation is powerful, it can shift the focus from disability to ability, from isolation to involvement.”
For more info about the programs or to volunteer, visit specialolympics.com.au or call 1300 225 762.