Patrick Heath Jeffery, Dean Argaet, Michelle Stirzaker, and Samuel McCrossen represented the ACT at the Special Olympics Australia National Games, bringing home three bronze medals.
The event was held in Adelaide from 16-20 April, with 49 competitors from around Australia taking part in the tennis component held over three days.
Held every four years, the Special Olympics Australia National Games gives players with an intellectual disability the opportunity to compete and demonstrate their skills and sportsmanship on a national level.
Jeffery took out Bronze in the Division three men’s singles, while Argaet won Bronze in Division five men’s singles. The pair then combined to claim Bronze in the division three doubles.
Stirzaker finished fourth in the Division three women’s singles, while McCrossen finished in fifth in the men’s Division 5 singles. The pair teamed up to finish in fourth spot in the Division five doubles.
Jeffery was happy to bring home two medals from the games.
“I was very pleased and happy with getting my two bronze medals in tennis doubles and singles. My doubles partner Dean was rated lower than me but had to play up a level so our combined effort was very satisfying.
Our team’s achievements were thanks to the great coaching and support of coach David.”
Jeffery enjoyed playing in the Special Olympics, highlighting the team environment of the event.
“The whole of the Special Olympics nationals experience in Adelaide was exciting and positive.
As well as enjoying playing the games, I also enjoyed supporting team members when they played and they supported me.”
ACT coach and team manager, David Beniamini said it was a great week for all the athletes and provided them with valuable match play opportunities.
“I think they enjoyed it a lot, they got on really well and played well.
“It’s a good system where the coach can be on the court. When you are training they train really well, but when you get in a competitive environment you can get quite flustered, so it’s good having someone there to calm them down and think about what they’ve got to do.
“The amount of match play they [usually] get is limited to what they get in squads amongst themselves. I did see improvements in their abilities right through and they performed really well.”
The squad trains for two hours on Saturday’s at Eastlake Tennis Club. Anyone interested in finding out more can contact David on 0412 623 713 or [email protected]
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