Exciting times: Back row, from left, Damien Cleary, Nate Spiers, Caroline Jones, Kelliane Ludbey and Jayden Wright. Front, from left, Ashley Stone, Tayla Molluso, Amelia Dean and Kellie McIntosh. Photo: Josh Huntly
Out of 732 athletes, Echuca Special Olympics will have 13 representatives compete for Victoria at the National Games in Tasmania in a big win for the club and its athletes.
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From October 17-21, athletes from all around Australia will converge on Launceston for Special Olympics Australia’s showpiece event, including several superstars from our region.
In the pool representing their state will be Nate Spiers, Ashley Stone, Tayla Molluso, Kellie McIntosh, Casey Petrie, Jaymes Whelan and Christian Leris.
Making a splash: Jaymes Whelan will compete for Victoria in the swimming at the National Games in Launceston. Photo: Echuca Special Olympics
On the bocce court, Damien Cleary, Caroline Jones and Kelliane Ludbey will look to make an impact.
Taila Upton will provide flair on the basketball court for Victoria, and in the tenpin bowling lanes Jayden Wright and Amelia Dean will be looking to strike.
Echuca Special Olympics chairperson Diane Dean paid tribute to the hard-working group, who had navigated the difficulties of COVID-19 times with aplomb.
“It’s pretty exciting because it is quite a process for them to be selected,” Dean said.
“They compete at state qualifying games, and they have to to place first in their event and put into the draw — a lot of athletes were in the running.”
Swimming team: Casey Petrie will be a force for Victoria in the pool at the National Games in Launceston. Photo: Echuca Special Olympics.
Dean said excitement had reached fever pitch, with a send-off gala for the departing athletes at the MCG on October 3.
“They’re all very excited about going, there’s been quite a build-up,” Dean said.
“We were very lucky to get 13 athletes picked from our small club. They’re very supportive of each other as well.
“It’s been such a great effort considering we’ve had COVID and they’ve been out of sport for a couple of years.”
For a lucky few athletes, strong performances at the Nationals could see several earn spots at the World Games in Berlin next January.
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