Special Olympians appeal for support

Wairarapa athletes are looking for support to make it to the Special Olympics New Zealand's eighth Summer Games in Dunedin.

House of Travel Masterton is taking donations for the team to help them get there, says Colin Southy, co-owner of the store.

"We've had some donations and we're looking for more."

The Games, held every four years, take place in Dunedin in November. It is the largest regular sports event for people with intellectual disabilities in New Zealand.

Penny Jackson, assistant coach, says all 13 local athletes will be going for gold.

"What other sports team in the Wairarapa has this many athletes going to a national event?"

The Games involve 10 Olympic-style sports including aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, equestrian, football, golf, indoor bowls, powerlifting, and tenpin bowling.

Winners will have the chance to compete at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2015.

The team ranges in age from 15 to 62.