Earlier this month the MCG hosted a special send off for more than 250 athletes representing Victoria in the 12th Special Olympics Australia National Games in Launceston.
From October 17 to 21, the Victorian team will compete, connect and celebrate a shared passion for sport with other athletes with intellectual disabilities from across the country.Held every four years, the National Games is the premier sport event in Australia for people with intellectual disabilities and a key pathway for athletes to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Games.
The MCC Foundation has proudly partnered with Special Olympics Australia since 2019, with both organisations united by the shared goal of making sport accessible to everyone and fostering a culture of inclusion.
The send-off event began with the Victorian athletes led into the MCG by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is a long-term, global supporter of Special Olympics.
A group of torchbearers comprising Law Enforcement representatives, Special Olympics athletes and supporters carried the torch on a lap of the iconic stadium, before presenting it to Bill Shorten MP to light the ‘flame of hope’ cauldron.
During the ceremony each athlete was called onto the hallowed turf and presented with a commemorative pin.
Many of the pins will end up being traded with athletes from other state teams at the National Games – reflecting the strong focus that the Games has on forging social and emotional connections.
Speaking at the send event, Mr Shorten event acknowledged the wonderful opportunity that the National Games provide for the athletes to be seen and recognised by the public.
“For a week in Launceston, all of Australia is going to get to see you,” he said.
“The arms will be up, they'll see the joy and for a week people aren't going to ask what is the person's disability? They're going to see an athlete having fun and they're going to see the whole person and you're not going to be invisible, you're going to be loved. You're going to be welcome, you're going to be respected, and you’re just going to have fun.”
To further support Team Victoria and all Special Olympics Australia athletes at the National Games, you can buy a virtual ticket here.