Special Olympics sailing in Varsity Lakes

(By Lauren Dunn and Nicole Oliver – Bond University Journalism Students)
 
Local Special Olympians are busy training three times a week on Lake Orr in preparation for next year’s games in Athens.
 
The four-member sailing team trains 19 hours per week.
 
In preparation for the Special Olympics, the team will be competing in England and France later this year.
 
Sailing consultant Barry Coates said he had been training two team members for nine years and two others for four.
 
Mr Coates said while he hoped the team would do well he placed much more emphasis on competitors getting out and having a go.
 
“Providing sporting and competitive experiences for people with intellectual disabilities [is my goal],” he said.
 
“Taking them to the highest possible level they can sail at."
 
Sailing team member Warren Hawkins said he had been training for four years and this would be his second Special Olympics competition.
 
“I love what I do here,” Mr Hawkins said.
 
Mr Coates said he was passionate about working with people affected by intellectual disabilities and hoped to expand a sailing program to engage local school children.
 
To start the program Mr Coates said he needed volunteers to help.
 
“I’m looking for volunteers that have a background in water sports so I can train them to learn how to sail and operate the safety boat,” he said.
 
More information about competitive sailing in the Special Olympics can be accessed on the Special Olympics website: www.specialolympics.com.au