IN FRONT AT THE END
Toowoomba athlete brings home medal haul from Virtus Games
For the past 10 years, Toowoomba’s Belinda Slatter has been living out an increasingly better version of her dream every day.
Slatter first tried her hand at athletics in high school and hasn’t looked back, going on to compete at the elite level of her sport.
The 24-year-old recently competed at the Virtus Oceania Asia
Games, an international multisport competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment, and her message for people living with disabilities is simple.
“Don’t give up on your dreams or what you want to achieve (in life),” Slatter said.
“Having a disability or impairment is not a barrier to doing what you love.
“The athletic community has always been very helpful and supportive for me, but there are lots of people like that.
“Find something that makes you happy.”
Slatter’s message supports the values of the Virtus games which aim to provide opportunities for athletes, challenge perceptions and strengthen communities.
The Brisbane competition marked the first time in history the
Virtus Regional Games were held in the Oceania-Asia region.
Heading into the event, Slatter felt good but her medal haul was still surprising.
Competing in a number of events, she claimed heptathlon, 100m and mixed relay silver and gold in the women’s 4x 100m relay.
“Heptathlon is my favourite event, but by the time we got to the 800m (the last event of the heptathlon), I was really tired and had had enough,” Slatter said.
“I didn’t stop though, because I had more events to compete in.
“I felt pretty good before the games, but it was still a surprise to win the medals.
“It’s always amazing representing Australia. Pulling on the green and gold is a great opportunity to show what you’re capable of and a real honour.”