The Special Olympics South Otago Trust (SOSOT) was honoured as a combined winner of this year’s community services award for health and wellbeing, for its "unwavering dedication to providing athletes with intellectual disabilities enriching opportunities through sports".
The group is one of 42 clubs across New Zealand, training more than 6000 athletes for regional and national competition, fostering physical and social self-confidence through sports.
Seven of SOSOT’s 14 community athletes are set to compete in bocce, indoor bowls and swimming at the regional Games in Dunedin from November 29 to December 1.
Trust volunteer and spokeswoman Lana McMamara was keen to thank lower South Island regional co-ordinator Chris Moffitt for his ongoing organisational work, as well as the council, whose award money had been put towards competition registrations and uniforms.
"We have been so blessed with the community support," Mrs McNamara said.
"As volunteers we have worked hard to achieve our goals and had a lot of fun, [and] the journey has been worth every minute.
"Through [our] efforts, the trust has enriched the lives of its athletes while strengthening the community with the spirit of sportsmanship, inclusivity and mental and physical health."
The council noted the trust had also shown resilience over the past year and a-half by adapting to challenges including Covid-19 pandemic restrictions on Special Olympics events.
SOSOT organises and maintains regular events, especially for indoor bowls and bocce, providing opportunities for volunteers as well as a platform for athletes to showcase skills, sportsmanship, teamwork and personal growth.
Mrs McNamara encouraged new competitors and volunteers to contact the trust online and join them every Wednesday night from 6.30pm.
