Athletes applauded at Special Olympics opening ceremony

The 2013 Special Olympic Asia Pacific Games has opened in Newcastle, with a spectacular opening ceremony at Hunter Stadium celebrating athletes of all abilities.

The ceremony, held last night (Sunday 1st December) saw close to 25,000 in attendance with the 2,500 athletes and coaches given a traditional welcome to country by local aboriginal people.

Governor-General Quentin Bryce was in the stands as the athletes with intellectual disabilities from 30 countries across the Asia Pacific marched into Hunter stadium.

Marcia Hines, Human Nature and Iva Davies entertained the crowd along with local performers, Special Olympics dancers and a massive drumming performance by local school students.

NSW Minister for Sport and Recreation Gabrielle Upton congratulated all involved in the event, stating "I congratulate the 2,500 athletes, carers and coaches from 32 countries and almost 25,000 spectators who applauded them at the opening ceremony.

"I have never heard a roar like when the Australian team were recognised during the Opening Ceremony.

"I also pay tribute to volunteers who have put in thousands of hours of work to put on the Special Olympics.

"Over 3,000 volunteers have given up their time to provide the opportunity for athletes to compete this week in Newcastle.

"It was an amazing spectacular of music and dance and theatre and fireworks celebrating the opening of the Special Olympics at the Hunter Stadium," she said.

"I wanted to welcome all the international guests, fans, parents, supporters and carers who will make the next six days a wonderful wonderful experience for those who come to compete at the Special Olympics."

Athletes will compete in nine sports this week at venues across Newcastle, including aquatic sports, athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, cricket, football, table tennis and ten pin bowling.

Games Director Chris Heverin says there a range of locations for the public to come along and cheer on the athletes, explaining "the cricket at No.1 Sportsground, football at No.2 and No.4 Sportsground, the athletics out at Glendale and also the basketball out at Broadmeadow Basketball Stadium.

"They are the best venues to go to and we are encouraging everyone to come to those events.

"They are free and you will see some amazing competition and the athletes are full on and they're out there really having a go."

Heverin says spectators can expect to see some competitive action, adding "they're there representing their country and they've never been prouder and when they're out there on that field.

"They're giving their best and they want to do their personal best time for themselves and their families and also for their country."

The week-long event, which runs Saturday 7th December, is expected to inject around $20 million into the Newcastle region economy.

A street parade will be held on Newcastle's foreshore this Saturday night as part of the closing ceremony.

http://specialolympicsasiapacgames2013.com/en

24th November 2013 - COUNTDOWN TO NEWCASTLE’S HOSTING OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS AUSTRALIA