Special Olympics "Let me win. But if I cannot win,let me be brave in the attempt."

Yesterday 14th Octoberwe had three specialguests who are Special Olympics athletes.Joshua, Conrad and Hamish. They came along with Jessicawho told us a little bit about the Special Olympics. Each ofthe athletes also gave a speech. We learnt that Joshua was lucky enough to go to the world winter games in theU.S.A. He plays Tenpin Bowling, Basket Ball, Golf and Swimming. Conrad has won 2 gold medals, a sliver and a bronze. Hamish joined the Special Olympics to gain skills,to meet new people and to celebrate their achievements.

The Special Olympics are a chance for people with intellectual disabilities to compete in a sport/s they excel at and enjoy. This year we are lucky enough to have the Special Olympics right here in Palmerston North from the 2 – 6 December with the opening and closing ceremonies both being held at Arena Manawatu.There are around 11 sports in the event with sports like Golf which Conrad and Joshua both play. There are alsosports like Tenpin Bowling which Hamish plays and will be held at Bowlarama and Basketball at Arena 2. We are very excited to have our own Special Olympics SUPER Athlete right here at SJS, who will be competing at the Special Olympics 2009. Zeppelin C in Room 3 has persevered in swimming and can now swim a length of the Freyberg pool!!! Go Zep!!!!Each of our classes will adopt an athlete. We will get tomeet and have fun with them next Wednesday. We are hoping to be able to support our athletes including Zeppelin when they compete. For further info take a lookat the Special Olympics website:

www.specialolympics.org.nz. Please read the information

about Family and Friends Registration.