Valmar hosts Special Olympics for All Abilities Day

Valmar Support Services is playing host to a “Special Olympics” All Ability Sports day at Joe O’Connor Park in Yass today.

Organiser Amanda Waters, from Valmar Support Services in Yass, told Scoop 105 competitors registered to participate in the activities.

They were accompanied by support workers and their families from across the region including Yass, Canberra, Young, Goulburn, Tumut, Harden and Queanbeyan.

“Today is an all-inclusive day for people with disabilities, and we’ve put an Olympic theme to it so that teams can dress as their favourite team or country, and it’s just so that everyone can have a go at doing some sporting events,” she said.

“They’re mingling, they’re all having a really great day.”

Some of the races included egg-and-spoon races, relays, dancing, soccer, cricket and ball throwing skills.

“We’ve seen donations from GWS Giants, Canberra Raiders and Tennis Australia are here, high school students [from Yass High], Southern Suns Yass Touch, Subway, Bargain Base. It’s just about community involvement and giving disabilities a go, and to show that they actually do have abilities.”

The Canberra Darters, Australian Institute of Sport and CISAC also donated to the event.

She thanked all involved in making the day a fun outing, especially the staff at Valmar Support Services Community Participation.

View our video here.

Dad Gerard and mum Karen enjoyed a day out with son Sean Eades with the assistance of Yass High School student Ethan Miners.

Tanya Garner with Loretta Veitch, from Tumut.

James Annetts and Oscar Jackson battle it out in the egg and spoon race.

Sarah-Rose Hansen, Chloe Dowling, Tiarna Mitchell, Oscar Jackson and Isabelle Lloyd prepare for a race.

Support worker Allan Fogg encourages Steven Munnerley to take the shot, assisted by Yass High School student Luke Miller.

Weather turned on a show for those participating in the All Abilities Day hosted by Valmar.

Tiarna Mitchell and Isabelle Lloyd enjoying the All Ability Sports Day organised by Valmar Support Services.