Casey residents Brian Sullivan and Jenni Ensor will soon be travelling to China to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Games.By Callan Date
THREE local athletes have their heart set on heading to China in October to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Games.
However, the dreams of Mark Hutton, Jenni Ensor and Brian Sullivan may be dashed if they are unable to find enough money to fund their trip.
Narre Warren resident Mr Hutton has been an important part of the Special Olympics Basketball team for the past 15 years and is hoping he will have the support and funding to travel to China.
“I’m really excited to be going to Shanghai for the World Games. I’ve been training really hard and I can’t wait to compete,” he said.
Fellow athlete and Endeavour Hills local, Mr Sullivan is also looking forward to competing with Special Olympics Australia (SOA) in the basketball competition.
“I’m so excited to represent my country alongside so many of my friends,” Mr Sullivan said.
He was full of praise for Doug Cerr Insurance Consultants in Dandenong after it provided a much needed $1000 donation.
Hampton Park resident Jenni Ensor is just as keen to represent her country in the basketball event.
The talented basketballer has been part of the Special Olympics program for the past seven years and is also raising money to fund her trip.
SOA chief operating officer Catriona Barry said that while they continue to provide year-round training and sporting opportunities for athletes, it is becoming increasingly difficult to fund the growing team.
“Our small group of volunteer staff work tirelessly to provide sporting opportunities and pathways for the 4500 athletes in our program and create pathways to allow them the opportunity to represent their country,” Ms Barry said.
“However, money is tight. For our World Games team alone, we need to raise $5000 for each athlete in order for them to compete,” she said.
The Special Olympics World Games will run between 2 and 11 October in Shanghai with the 166-strong Australian team, comprising 130 athletes and 36 coaches and support staff, set to fly out of the country on 27 September.
“The local athletes and their families are working hard on fundraising but many are struggling. Unlike other sporting bodies, we receive very limited government funding,” Ms Barry said.
The money raised will go towards athletes’ uniforms, accommodation and airfares with additional funds raised going to help fellow Australian athletes in their journey to China.
“We know how important this opportunity is for all our athletes.
“We thank those that have given already but we are asking that businesses and communities get behind their local athletes and help them achieve that goal of competing in Shanghai,” Ms Barry said.
To support any of the Victorian athletes and the Special Olympics World Games team go to www.specialolympics.com.au or call 1300 225 762.
