Gold for courage at Special Olympics

By PHILIP ENGLISH

More than 1000 intellectually disabled athletes swam, ran, walked and competed in all sorts of sports in the North Island Special Olympics held in Auckland at the weekend.

The competitors were in to win. But it was hard to distinguish the winners from those who came in behind.

The games, held at different venues around the city, were all about determination and effort, and both winners and losers shared equally big smiles.

After an opening ceremony on Friday, a full day of competition on Saturday, a disco and barbecue on Saturday night, a cross-harbour swim yesterday morning and the closing of the games in the afternoon, organisers counted the event a grand success.

The four members of the Waiheke Island team reckoned the games were a success as well, with each athlete winning a medal. They now have something to show for their efforts when they take part in the island's Santa parade next Saturday.

A member of the team, Anna Hodson, won gold in the 100m walk, which she completed on crutches.

After winning a medal for courage in a previous year, her gold was a personal best.

"It was brilliant. I honestly didn't think I was going to get it," she said in the grandstand after the event.

"What made the 100m more special for me was my friend Lijana Anketell meeting me at the finish line."

"It was lovely," said Lijana Anketell.

Waiheke coach Gabrielle King said lots of training at the Ostend Sports Club field had paid off.

"This is a marvellous thing for people. Everyone should come and see this ... There is no animosity. They all wish each other well."

As the athletics, bowls, basketball, powerlifting and soccer were winding up yesterday, 469 competitors aged from 13 to 75 swam 2.4 km across the Waitemata Harbour from Ponsonby to the Chelsea Sugar Refinery.

The first swimmer completed the crossing in about 30 minutes. The last took about 110 minutes, apologising for taking so long as she emerged from the water.

Organisers reported no dramatics during the carefully monitored event.

The first Special Olympics were held in New Zealand in 1983. This weekend's event, supported by Sky City and the Hillary Commission, was attended by 1060 competitors and more than 300 minders or coaches.

It will be followed by a national competition to be hosted by Auckland in a year.

Games spokesman Rupert Crabtree said the best of the competitors had an opportunity to compete internationally at events such as the Paralympics, although the weekend's competition seemed to be more about enjoyment.

"Everybody gets something - whether they are fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth," Mr Crabtree said.

Dozens of volunteers were also rewarded by a sense of fulfillment for helping out during the event.