Northlanders get serious for nationals

Expect some serious competition amid the smiles and laughter of the talented Whangarei Special Olympics team headed to Palmerston North for the 2009 National Games.
The 33-strong Northland contingent will take on 1500 athletes from around New Zealand in sports, ranging from basketball to ten pin bowling.
While the competitive spirit in these athletes is sure to surface at the games which start on Thursday, Special Olympics chief executive officer Kathy Gibson said the main focus at the event was participation, and having fun. "The words National Games imply to many an elite event, but this is not the case for Special Olympics athletes," she said.
"Nationals are an important part of the overall development programme for our athletes who join our movement for lifelong participation through sport."
Whangarei's athletes have been preparing for this event all year, competing at  ribbon days for their respective sports, against teams in the northern area.
 Whangarei Special Olympic team: Athletics - Pixie Baker, Ian Benney, Athol Tipene, Shane Williams, Tim Watson.
 
Basketball - Ashley Rodgers, Freedom Harrison, Layla Wetere-Hepi, Dorian Choat, Nigel Karena, Tere Davis, Moki Ropitini.
Indoor Bowls - Julie Kruse, Janet Mold, Millie Tipu, Raymond Tipene.
 
Swimming - Melanie Baker, Kerry Deeming, Rae Alexander, Brinsley Sheridan, Steve Blagrove, Stephen Dykzeul, Arfon Davies, Raymond Allsopp, Stephen Day.
Ten pin bowling - Linda Mora, Derek Olsen, Ian Mora, Frances Mora, Roy Butterfield, Scott Hetherington, James McGowan, D'arcy Collins.