City of Casey secures 2023 Special Olympics Victoria

The City of Casey has secured the 2023 Special Olympics Victoria State Games to be held 1st to 2nd  July with the opening ceremony at Casey Stadium.

Around 400 athletes will descend on Casey ARC, Casey Fields and Casey Stadium to compete in swimming, athletics, basketball, gymnastics, netball, tennis, soccer and for the first time, AFL.

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.

City of Casey Director Community Life Callum Pattie said it was an honour to host the Special Olympics Victoria State Games again in Casey and encouraged local sports fans to take the opportunity to get along and enjoy some of the events.

Pattie advised “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.

“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.”

The opening ceremony will be held from 9.00 am on Saturday 1st July at Casey Stadium, with the athletes marching into the stadium following the torch run and lighting of the flame.

The following events will be held across the two days:

• AFL: 1.00 pm – 5.00 pm, Saturday 1st July, Casey Fields

• Athletics: 11.00 am – 4.00 pm, Saturday 1st July, Casey Fields

• Basketball: 11.00 am – 5.00 pm, Saturday 1st July and 9.00 am – 3.00 pm, Sunday 2nd July, Casey Stadium

• Football (Soccer): 11.00 am – 5.00 pm, Saturday 1st July, Casey Fields

• Gymnastics: 8.00 am – 1.00 pm, Sunday 2nd July, Casey Stadium

• Netball: 11.00 am – 4.00 pm, Saturday 1st July, Casey Stadium

• Swimming: 12.45 pm – 6.00 pm, Saturday 1st July, Casey ARC

• Tennis: 10.30 am – 4.00 pm, Saturday 1st July and 10.30 am – 2.00 pm, Sunday 2nd July, Casey Fields

Everyone is welcome to come along and cheer on the athletes during the games. The event is proudly sponsored by the City of Casey.

For more information, visit www.specialolympics.com.au/vic