By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Members of a Barwon region Special Olympics team have all claimed medals at a national games held in Melbourne.
The 14 athletes won at least one medal each, with several winning multiple top-three podium places.
The team combined grabbed eight gold, 17 silver and 11 bronze in aquatics, athletics, basketball, gymnastics tennis and 10-pin bowling.
Coach Sylvia Simpson said the gymnastics team delivered a particularly “surprising” performance to claim a swag of medals.
“The special Olympics are only held every four years, so it’s not that easy to get into,” Ms Simpson said.
“The gymnastic was held across three different levels in various age groups. Our youngest team member is 10 and our oldest is 35.
“It was a real surprise but so great to see them rewarded for their intensive training.”
The games, with almost 1000 athletes of all abilities competing in 16 sports, were Special Olympics Australia biggest yet.
The event also served as a platform for athletes to compete at a Special Olympics World Summer Games 2015 in Los Angeles, USA.
