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Last week, 38 athletes took to the slopes of Mt Buller in Victoria to compete at our largest-ever Special Olympics Australia National Winter Games.

The Games kicked off with a spectacular Opening Ceremony which included a Parade of Athletes, Law Enforcement Torch Run, reciting of the Oaths by Sharyn Harris (NSW) on behalf of coaches and by Laura Flynn (VIC) on behalf of athletes.

There was plenty of fresh snow which affected visibility in the lead up to Race Day, but for the main event it was all blue sky – conditions were perfect!

Congratulations to all athletes who proudly represented their state and good luck to those who are eligible for selection to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy. Team Australia will be announced on, or after, 12 August once all places on the team have been confirmed.

We extend a huge thank you to:

  • The officials who make these National Winter Games possible and a great experience for athletes and families.
  • Law Enforcement Torch Run for your ongoing financial and physical support for athletes. Our Opening and Closing Ceremonies would be lost without a Torch Run, and the jackets you’ve gifted this year look spectacular.
  • DWA for your ongoing support organising these Games and for the amazing support and coaching your volunteer guides provide our athletes.
  • Mt Buller Ski Lifts for assisting with organising the racetrack, lift passes and for helping make these Games possible.
  • Black Mountain Equipment for supporting our athletes with ski and equipment hire for the week.
  • The Sebel Pinnacle Valley for your warm hospitality and keeping athletes fuelled for competition.
  • The Victoria State Government for financial support for the event through the Significant Sporting Events Program.

Thank you also to Peter Muhlbock (NSW), Hamish Patterson (VIC) and John Elliott (VIC) for sharing photos.

Now let’s share some snippets from the slopes!

While at Mt Buller we had a bookend of birthdays. At the Opening Ceremony Mikaela Williams (VIC) celebrated her birthday and the day of the Closing Ceremony was the birthday of Reiss Hunter (NSW). Both have returned home with a silver medal.

Birthday boy Reiss also got a huge surprise when his parents popped up at Mt Buller unannounced to cheer him across the finish line on Race Day! There were tears of joy!

There was also tears of joy when Sarah Hartley (QLD) was presented with the inaugural Good Sport Award in memory of Katarina Norris. Katarina was involved with Special Olympics Australia for over 20 years and volunteered at numerous Wintersport camps where she often played the role of Camp Mum. In honour of Katarina’s commitment and enthusiasm, this award will be presented at each National Winter Games to an athlete who has shown integrity, kindness and commitment, both on and off the slopes.

James Summerhayes (NSW), summed up his first National Winter Games experience by saying, “What a great week it was at @soaustralia national games. Came 4 in my division which I was stoked about. Well done all athletes on a great effort and big thanks to all our coaches and DWA for help and support.”

We also heard from Kristian Sandercoe (NSW) who shared his athlete experience in photos with the words, "Hello, my name is Kristian Sandercoe and I am a Special Olympics Wintersport athlete. I live in Cooma, NSW and love skiing. I competed at the 2024 National Winter Games at Mt Buller. I had a fantastic time and would like to share some of my pictures with all of you. Thank you to all the coaches and fellow athletes. I had a ball."

Great Games everyone!

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Click here to view photos.

Click here for Race Day results.

Click here for National Winter Games athlete list.