Emily Chapman Laing
Around 350 athletes descended upon Casey’s sporting facilities over the weekend to take part in the 2023 Special Olympics Victoria State Games.
The State Games are Victoria’s premier games for all people with an intellectual disability to take part in a multi-sport weekend in the hope of qualifying for any single sport national events.
Running across Casey ARC, Casey Fields and Casey Stadium on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July, athletes showed their technique and skill in swimming, ten pin bowling, athletics, basketball, bocce, gymnastics, netball, tennis, soccer and for the first time, AFL.
The games began with the law enforcement torch run and athletes marching into Casey stadium to excited applause.
From a cauldron the “flame of hope“ was lit, akin to the lighting of the Olympic torch.
“To have that opportunity on the big stage with a big opening ceremony bringing lots of hype and excitement,“ said James Hammond, Special Olympics Australia State Manager Victoria.
“Our athletes are always looking for more opportunities to compete.
“This is the most inclusive sporting event throughout the year.“
Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police Shane Patton finalised the opening ceremony with a speech.
“It’s awesome to have that support,“ Mr Hammond said.
Free heart health checks were on offer from the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, supported by Heartbeat of Football, an organisation supporting healthy hearts in sport.
“Lots of athletes, coaches, volunteers and families got their heart health checked,“ Mr Hammond said.
The State Games also had an opportunity to welcome 20 Victorian athletes who recently competed in the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin .
Alongside the sports, Saturday saw two exhibitions, from the AFL and the Marie Little Shield Netball athletes.
On Sunday, South Australian athletes joined their Victorian cousins for a state of origin competition.
“We had athletes from Tasmania competing as well, in swimming, bocce and tenpin bowling,“ Mr Hammond said.
“It was good to have our neighbours come across and compete with us.
“All in all it was awesome, lots of smiles, lots of fun, everyone had a really good time.“
Mr Hammond said the day wouldnt have been the same without the immense support from other groups and organisations.
“We want to shout out City of Casey for their hospitality, they’ve been absolutely incredible in hosting us,“ he said.
“Melbourne City Football Club helped run our football (soccer) games and it ran super well thanks to them and their support.“
City of Casey Director Community Life Callum Pattie said it was an honour to host the Special Olympics Victoria State Games again in Casey.
“The entire event is focused on inclusive sport, community engagement through volunteering and creating opportunities for people with intellectual disability to live a healthy lifestyle while maintaining social interaction with their community,” he said.
“The event also gives the broader community an insight into what people with intellectual disability are capable of achieving, and the important role Special Olympics Australia plays in providing opportunities for athletes and their families.”
