The Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs held their annual Special Olympics Mini Olympics this morning at Belmore Sports Ground as part of the build-up to this Friday night’s fourth Special Olympics Cup match between the Bulldogs and the Rabbitohs at ANZ Stadium.
Around 30 participants spent the morning rubbing shoulders with Bulldogs players, posing for photos, getting autographs and participating in a number of fun games with their heroes.
“It’s good to have the kids here,” said Josh Morris.
“We have seen them for the last four years and seen them grow up.
“They just love getting out here and having fun with the boys. So it always puts a smile on your face.”
The day is an annual event and not only do the athletes have a day out, but days like these really show what impact the Bulldogs and the players have in the community.
“What it teaches our players is humility,” Chief Executive Raelene Castle added.
“They see the enjoyment they get out of competing with the athletes and it really teaches them how much of impact they can have in the community.”
CEO of Special Olympics Australia, Nicola Stokes, was impressed once again by the level of engagement and participation between the Bulldogs and the athletes.
“We have had another wonderful mini-Olympics at Belmore with our athletes in advance of the game on Friday,” said Nicola.
“This is a great initiative of the Bulldogs. Our athletes are given the opportunity to meet their heroes and interact with them, learn some skills and challenge them.
“Once again the Bulldogs are showing what an inclusive club is and making a significant difference in their community.”
The Special Olympics Cup to be played on Friday night, will be the fourth Special Olympics Cup match between the two sides and it signifies an important partnership between the Bulldogs, Rabbitohs and Special Olympics Australia in providing a platform for thousands of Australians with an intellectual disability to reach their personal best both on and off the sporting field.
To learn more about Special Olympics, visit www.specialolympics.com.au.
