Di Bruce | WA State Development Manager | Special Olympics Australia

PO Box 207, Woodvale WA 6026 Telephone/Facsimile: (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532
Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au www.specialolympics.com.au
MEDIA RELEASE

Students lighting the way for Special Olympics athletes
Special Olympics WA Games 11-13 October 2013
Pinjarra Senior High School students Jarron Vanelst and Corey Nairn have been busy supporting Design &
Technology teacher, Mr Gavin Chester in designing and making the cauldron for the ^K
Law Enforcement Torch Run, the traditional Olympic Torch Run which is the precursor to the official Opening
Ceremony of the 2013 Special Olympics WA State Games being held at Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra on 11-13
October 2013.

Mr Chester has been working vigorously over the last few months researching potential designs that reflect the
Special Olympics logo and one that is aesthetically pleasing to the eye but also environmentally friendly.

The logo symbolises equality, joy and ambition and represents the many athletes and volunteers involved in
Special Olympics around the world. It shows that our athletes are just like everyone else and strive to be the very
best they can be.

The 10 kilometre Olympic torch relay is supported by WA Police and will head from Sir Ross McLarty Oval in
Pinjarra, out to Fairbridge Village at 3:30pm on 11 October. There are 6 legs of the relay with 20 participants in
each leg, compromising of WA Police; Special Olympic athletes and Pinjarra community members. Jarron, Corey
and Mr Chester will all be invited to participate in the torch run in appreciation for all of their efforts in the
making of the cauldron.

Special Olympics WA State Manager, Di Bruce commented d ^ '
Pinjarra was to embody the community spirit that a local regional centre can provide. The interaction between
local residents playing vital volunteer roles at the Games and Special Olympic members ensures an inclusive and
encouraging environment. The enthusiastic approach to the Games from community members to date such as
Pinjarra Senior High School; Alcoa medical team; Pinjarra Police and local sporting groups to mention a few, is
extreme

The Games will be held at various sporting sites across the region with the majority of matches to be held in
Pinjarra. Athletics will be held in Rockingham along with ten-pin bowling.

The Games will be the qualifying event for the 2014 Games in Melbourne. Progression will continue in 2015 to the
Special Olympics Summer World Games being held in Los Angeles.

.

ENDS






@SpecialO_WA

Facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsAustralia


Di Bruce | WA State Development Manager | Special Olympics Australia
PO Box 207, Woodvale WA 6026 Telephone/Facsimile: (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532
Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au www.specialolympics.com.au



MEDIA ENQUIRIES












About Special Olympics Australia
Special Olympics is an international not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering individuals with an intellectual
disability to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports training and competition in a
variety of sports.

In Australia, some 4,500 athletes are actively involved in 14 sports. These sports are delivered by over 1,000 volunteers
operating in almost 50 regions across the country. We are working hard to grow our programs nationally and even harder in
WA to reach out to the 500,000+ Australians living with an intellectual disability and transforming their lives through weekly
sports and participation sessions.

For more information visit www.specialolympics.com.au


About Special Olympics Western Australia (SOWA)

^Ktt As
the Western Australian peak body for Special Olympics Australia, SOWA is part of a global community promoting sport as a
means of acceptance and inclusion for people with an intellectual disability.

Weekly sports programs offered in the Perth metropolitan area include swimming, softball, golf, ten pin bowling, athletics,
gymnastics and basketball. Dedicated pathways through regional, state, national and international competition are available
to Western Australian Special Olympics athletes.

Sports programs are also offered in Broome and Kalgoorlie, with an additional regional centre being established in the South-
West in 2013.

http://specialolympics.com.au/index.php/wa






Di Bruce
State Manager
Special Olympics Western Australia
PO Box 207, Woodvale WA 6026
Tel/Fax: (08) 9321 3207
Mobile: 0410 866 532
Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au
www.specialolympics.com.au


Di Bruce | WA State Development Manager | Special Olympics Australia
PO Box 207, Woodvale WA 6026 Telephone/Facsimile: (08) 9321 3207 Mobile: 0410 866 532
Email: dib@specialolympics.com.au www.specialolympics.com.au





About the 2013 Special Olympics Western Australia State Games

Friday 11 October
x 3:30pm Law Enforcement Torch Run - Pinjarra area
x 5:30pm Opening Ceremony - Fairbridge Village
x 6:30pm Dinner - Fairbridge Village
x 7:30pm Band entertainment - Fairbridge Village
x 9:30pm Concludes
Saturday 12 October
x Sporting events Pinjarra and Rockingham area
Sunday 13 october
x Sporting events Pinjarra and Rockingham area
x 1:00pm Closing Ceremony Fairbridge Village







~Let me WIN, if I cannot win, let me be BRAVE in the attempt

Athletes Oath - Special Olympics