Kaka the Kiwi, the National Summer Games mascot, gets among the athletes. PHOTO SUPPLIED
CRUSADING: Coach Colleen Lindsay and swimmer Fergus Wilson mixing with the Crusaders.
Mid Canterbury Special Olympians have returned from the national summer games in Christchurch with a haul of medals.
Athletes won multiple gold, silver and bronze medals in their bocce and swimming events at the games which ran from December 10 to 14. They are held every four years.
The team of, Trevor Nish, Dominica Cotter, Megan Isherwood, Ella Gardner, Fergus Wilson, Cody Robin, Peter Thomson, Joanne Inwood, Stu Chesmar and Peter Judge were guided by coach Colleen Lindsay, team manager Ann-Marie Wilson, and Ann Craig and Colleen Inwood.
Coach Colleen Lindsay, poolside at Parakiore recreation and sports centre, said it was a vibrant atmosphere where all Mid Canterbury swimmers claimed personal best times.
‘‘Every swimmer went over and above everything they have ever done,’’ she said.
“The swimming was exhausting, but exciting. Very exciting.
‘‘They were just so happy to compete. They all go ‘Yahoo!’ when they’re finished.’’
She said Ella Gardner won gold in the 25m breaststroke, gold 25m backstroke, silver in the relay.
Dominica Cotter got gold in the 25m freestyle, silver in the 25m backstroke and silver in the relay.
Trevor Nish topped the podium with gold in 25m freestyle and got silver in relay.
Fergus Wilson won silver in 25m breaststroke, silver in 50m backstroke and bronze in 25m backstroke.
While Megan Isherwood won bronze in 25m backstroke and Cody Robin, a silver in relay.
‘‘(Cody) was the only South Islander in the final and swam 16.86 (sec) for his 25m from a standing start,” Colleen said.
“The others were swimming 14seconds – this is the level of these guys from the North Island.’’
Despite this, Cody shaved a whopping four seconds off his personal best, she said.
‘‘Every race he swam in, he broke his personal best. He did really, really well.’’
‘‘The four that swam in the relay had eight events over the three days.’’
In bocce, played at Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub, doubles pair Peter Judge and Peter Thomson won gold, while Joanne Inwood and Stu Chesmar won bronze.
Colleen said the two Mid Canterbury bocce teams played on an outside court against only North Island teams from Auckland, Rotorua, Porirua, and Bay of Plenty.
“There were no South Island teams in their division.”
She said they had four days of play, including Sunday morning outside their division.
‘‘They had divisioning on Thursday, and then they played Friday and Saturday competition.’’
Sunday after lunch was the medal ceremony.
‘‘They did extremely well because it was raining one day, and they got sunburned the next.’’
‘‘They’re a very, very happy lot, but very tired,’’ she said.
Creating something special
In the lead up to the games, nationwide athletes, families and coaches prepared for months – training at local sports grounds, community centres, and school facilities.
Each club brought its own story, built on volunteer commitment, teamwork, and the belief everyone deserved a chance to take part in sport.
The journey was symbolised by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which carried the Flame of Hope across the country to the opening ceremony.
It is carried by New Zealand Police officers, athletes, and supporters in over 15 towns and cities in the buildup to the games.
Special Olympics New Zealand chief executive Fran Scholey said every National Summer Games was a moment to celebrate the athletes, and also a reminder of the work done every day across Aotearoa.
“When people cheer, volunteer, or donate, they’re helping us continue this mahi long after the games end.
“Community support enables us to reach more athletes, strengthen our clubs, and ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, belong, and be part of something truly special,” she said.
The games focused on abilities and what was possible – athletes were celebrated at every level from participation through placings from 8 to 1.
It was a symbol of huge personal achievement in addition to a strong sense of competition.
The games showcase what Special Olympics New Zealand stands for: courage, respect, integrity, excellence and the strong belief that everyone belongs.
The event which ran for four days included 10 sports at six venues in the city.
The closing party was a time for athletes and clubs to celebrate, a recognition of achievement, belonging, and connection.
Welcoming and inclusive
Colleen said attending the games was a special honour where everyone was engaging from open ceremony emcee, entertainer Jason Gunn to the Crusaders rugby players who visited during competition.
“The kids all got their photos taken with (Jason), and they were high-fiving him because he’s just a big kid,” she said.
At the opening ceremony Colleen – a 20-year veteran with the Special Olympics – had the honour of reading the volunteer oath, on behalf of all volunteers involved.
She said, despite only getting the reading just ahead of the event, she got through it with no issues. A representative of the referees/umpires did the officials’ oath, and two athletes doing the athletes’ oath; one in English, the other in Te Reo.
Joanne Inwood, Dominica Cotter and Colleen Inwood represented Mid Canterbury in the flag ceremony, walking on stage with the Mid Canterbury banner.
More than 1200 athletes from 42 clubs in towns and cities nationwide took part.
‘‘The teams were wonderful, it was good to catch up with new people,‘‘ Colleen said.
‘‘We are so grateful for all the help we have had from the community, and the support from organisations and individuals.”
She was keen to hear from anyone wanting to take up any of the sports next year, including a new addition – basketball – which was trialled at EA Networks Centre in Ashburton this year.
Those interested can make contact with Colleen directly on 027 408 1109.
