Cycling star lines up to lend a hand

Some of Australia’s sporting heroes are reversing their roles to support athletes competing in the Special Olympics National Games in Adelaide in April.

The Olympians, led by 2004 cycling gold medallist Stuart O’Grady, will be cheering from the sidelines when more than 1000 athletes with an intellectual disability compete in 11 sports over five days.

Among them will be 28year-old Toby Sutherland who will be donning the soccer boots at the Special Olympics.

“Sport is his entire existence outside of work,” Toby’s dad Gary said.

“He has represented his state and been to a Special Olympics in Melbourne and Adelaide, and travelled to Newcastle for an Asia/Pacific national games as well.

“Toby is big on the camaraderie side of the event, meeting other people who are playing the same sport or just staying in the same camp.”

O’Grady is an ambassador for the Adelaide event and is rallying other Olympians to support the athletes competing in athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, soccer, golf, gymnastics, sailing, swimming and tennis.

“We want to get behind them as much as possible and get as many Olympians out there supporting them as we can,” O’Grady said.

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The Special Olympics National Games will be held from April 16-20.

You can help people with an intellectual disability to achieve their life potential through sport and donate to Special Olympics Australia by visiting special olympics.com.au/donate.