Manawatu¯ Special Olympians excel

Medals and personal bests were among the trophies Manawatu¯ Special Olympians brought back from the National Summer Games in Wellington.

Attended by 1250 athletes, Special Olympics Manawatu¯ sports co-ordinator Helen Johnson said the 110 Manawatu¯ competitors won 266 medals and ribbons across 10 of the 11 sports held during the games, held from November 27 to December 1.

Thirty-four were gold, 78 silver and 45 bronze.

‘‘It was exceptional - just the looks on their faces while they were taking part and when they were receiving their medals afterwards,’’ Johnson said.

Taking part had done great things for their self-esteem and self-belief.

Johnson said 147 local athletes and coaches attended the weeklong event, competing in swimming, athletics, basketball, bocce, golf, indoor bowls, powerlifting, table tennis, tenpin bowling and equestrian, which was held at Manfeild Park in Feilding.

It was the first time Manawatu¯ had entered a table tennis team, which won a gold, three silvers and three bronzes.

‘‘We were very pleased with all our results,’’ Johnson said.

Not only was Manawatu¯ the biggest team at the games, it was also one of the biggest representative contingents sent from Palmerston North for any sporting event.

The 25-strong swim squad picked up 16 gold medals, with the 11 members of the athletic team winning seven.

Athletics team member Aron Rastrick collected gold, silver and bronze medals for his work on the track.

Rastrick’s gold was for winning the 1500 speed walk, with silver in the mini javelin, and bronze as a member of the 100 metre relay team.

The Cloverlea farm worker said he walked everywhere around town, and had worked hard for his medals, turning up to the Massey University athletics track for training every Monday night.