Tassie 25 to face off against nation’s best

LET me win but, if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. The Special Olympics athletes’ oath says it all.

The National Games for athletes with intellectual disabilities kicked off with a spectacular, sold-out opening ceremony at the Adelaide Arena basketball stadium last night and now will come four days of spirited competition.

More than 1000 athletes from around Australia entered to rapturous applause to begin formalities.

Tasmania will be represented by 25 athletes who will take part in five of the Special Olympic sporting events.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove launched proceedings and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull used a video message to announce that his Government would donate $200,000 to the notfor-profit, volunteer driven event, before police Commissioner Grant Stevens joined SA athlete Damien Braun in touching the Flame of Hope to a Games cauldron.

The ceremony ended with a spectacle of dance and gymnastics and now the athletes will spend four days competing in sports across Adelaide.

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Special Olympics Australia chief executive officer Corene Strauss told the athletes that their selection to represent their states was “no ordinary achievement”.

“Athletes, your courage and determination to be the best that you can be is a great example to our nation, teaching us that we can be tolerant and accepting, showing us the way to an inclusive world view.”