“I finally have opportunities, and the support to try.”

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In Australia we believe in a fair go for all. But the reality is that people with an intellectual disability are often unfairly excluded from sport and its huge array of physical, emotional and social benefits. This can happen because of ignorance of others or simply a mindset that focuses on what people can’t do, rather than what they can.

Your donation today will open the door to more people with an intellectual disability being able to find, develop and take pride in their sporting abilities, through Special Olympics Australia’s weekly training, coaching and competition network across Australia.

Ben's Story

Ben Haack is one of our Special Olympics Australia Board Members. But he first joined us as an athlete when at 17 he was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism.

Ben was already a keen cricket and football player, yet he says he struggled to find his place on the sports field – and off it. 

"I was nothing, that is according to society, to teachers, to coaches and to my fellow peers. I was bullied, urinated on, abused, misunderstood, and neglected.

I have major difficulty at times understanding instructions and interpreting things like body language and jokes. This meant that in school I was the butt of jokes and put downs. This also meant that I struggled with school work and understanding coaches … I quite often got abuse and frustration from them."

Then finally Ben’s Asperger’s was discovered, and he started playing soccer with Special Olympics Australia. In this welcoming environment he thrived. 

“It was the first time Ben could go to a place and he wasn’t judged,” says his mum Cheryl. 

Ben says, “I found a place to belong. Mum says it was when my life truly began and I agree … And by taking pride in myself through my sporting achievements, my life has improved in so many ways. I now have a sense of possibility, I am able to set new goals and achieve them, because I finally have opportunities, and the support to try.”

16 years later, Ben has represented Australia on multiple occasions – a highlight was vice-captaining the Australian Cricket Team that won the bronze medal at the first Cricket World Cup in Mumbai, India, in 2006.

He is also helping other people with an intellectual disability to find their strengths in sport. Along with working at Gold Coast Recreation and Sport, he sits on our Board, is a volunteer coach with his local Special Olympics Australia club, and is a global advocate for our movement. 

10 year old Alex is one of many young athletes living with an intellectual disability that Ben hopes to reach out to. Before Alex joined Special Olympics Australia, his mum Tracey had nearly despaired of finding a swimming group that would accept him. He never quite fitted in. He needed extra support and his first competition with us showed just how much it helps to believe in athletes and not give up on them. 

“Alex had become a little distressed and anxious over the number of people there, the strange environment and the loud buzzer to start the races. He also had an allergic reaction to the water chemicals,” his mum says.

“I took him outside to relax him and one of his swimming coaches Judy came chasing after with medicine for his allergies and stayed with him until his first race. Judy never left his side. Not only did she help Alex, she really helped me, as I was starting to worry.”

Alex came 2nd that day, a fantastic achievement. The same way that Ben ended up playing for Australia – and much more – there is no saying how far sport could take Alex now.

Please give today so that more people with an intellectual disability are given the chance to take part in sport and achieve their personal best – in sport and in life. Click here to donate.

We Need Your Support

The Issue

There are almost 600,000 Australians living with an intellectual disability. They are the largest disability population in Australia and every two hours another child is diagnosed. People with an intellectual disability are among the most marginalised groups, are routinely excluded from ongoing sports programs that stress fitness, skill development and quality coaching and competition - compounding the social isolation and chronic health issues they face.

The Solution

For people with an intellectual disability who may not fit into mainstream clubs Special Olympics Australia offers a welcoming environment where they can meet people of similar ability and develop skills at their own pace. Athletes get fit, have fun and make friends, which improves their ability to succeed in all walks of life. Families gain a network of support, are better able to understand their child or sibling's capabilities and can see hope for the future.