Nearly 750 athletes will be in Launceston, Tasmania in October to compete in the 2022 Special Olympics National Games. Participants will be competing for gold, silver and bronze medals across 10 Olympic-type individual and team sports.
The games give children and adults with intellectual disability the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and share it with their families, other athletes and the community.
The sports include athletics, swimming, tennis, basketball, boccia, table tennis, tenpin bowling, gymnastics, soccer and golf.
A new sport offering is being added to the event. A partnership between Special Olympics Australia and DanceSport Australia is intended to generate more inclusive programs in dance schools nationally.
The games will be held over five days from October 17-21.
Summer World Games update
This year Special Olympics Australia submitted a bid to host the Summer World Games in Perth in 2027. If successful it would be the first time these games have been held in the the Southern Hemisphere.
A delegation from Special Olympics International is in Perth now to inspect venues as part of the winning bid process. A decision is expected in early 2023.
Photo: NDIS Minister Bill Shorten lighting the cauldron with Daniel Vadnjal at the MCG
Image credit: Matt Volk