International Success for Aussie Athletes with an Intellectual Disability
Published Tue 28 Mar 2017
Over the past week 12 athletes with an intellectual disability have been representing Australia in Austria, competing in Alpine skiing and Snowboarding, bringing home 10 medals,14 place ribbons and memories that will last a lifetime.
The world's largest sports and humanitarian event in 2017, the Special Olympics World Winter Games have featured 2,700 athletes with an intellectual disability from 105 nations competing across nine wintersports disciplines.
Sara Molloy, 28, who competed in Alpine skiing, returns home with a silver medal and 4th place ribbon. She said it was an amazing experience to represent her country.
“All my life I have watched Australian sporting teams wearing the green and gold and now I am one of them. It was the best experience of my life. My family, friends and all Australians were cheering for me.”
This is only the second-time that Australian athletes have competed in snowsports at a World Winter Games.
Special Olympics Australia CEO Corene Strauss congratulated the team on their achievement.
“We are so proud of our athlete’s achievements in Austria. They come home not just with medals and ribbons, but with recognition for the years of hard work and dedication they have put in. They symbolize the power of sports participation for all Australians.”
The Patron of Special Olympics Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd) Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia and Her Excellency Lady Cosgrove, will welcome home our successful Special Olympics Winter Games team at a function at Admiralty House this week.