Celebrations for Team Australia as Special Olympians bring medals home

After nine days displaying their impressive skills, determination, and sportsmanship, Team Australia arrived back home from the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin earlier this month with a number of medals and countless special memories.

64 Australian athletes from Special Olympics Australia competed against 7,000 athletes with intellectual disability or autism from across the globe, in what is the world’s largest inclusive sporting event.

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.

Of the 26 sporting events held throughout the Special Olympics, Team Australia competed in nine, including - athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastic, swimming, tennis.

An impressive 45 total medals were won across these events, with 15 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze.

Reflecting on the performance of Team Australia, Pierre Comis, CEO of Special Olympics Australia said it had been remarkable to witness the team’s achievements.

“Sport provides a fantastic opportunity for individuals living with intellectual disability or autism to feel a sense of personal achievement, pride, and inclusion. This was clear at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin where we had the privilege of competing in many sports with over 7000 athletes with intellectual disability from over 190 nations,” he said.

“The years of preparation for our athletes paid off and I can’t wait for them to celebrate their victories with their families, friends and local Special Olympics club members.”