Putting it all on the (starting) line
Logan O’Connor, Porirua
Ask athlete Logan O’Connor what’s the best thing about competing and he doesn’t mince words: ‘‘It’s winning the medals.’’
The 18-year-old Aotea College student has been training hard for next month’s Summer Games and he’s hoping that effort will get him ‘‘at least’’ a couple of medals in swimming and basketball. ‘‘I’d like two medals and a placing.’’
O’Connor is already used to winning; he took a gold and silver medal at last year’s trans-Tasman swim meet, and this year won college sports awards as well as a nomination for the Porirua Sports Awards.
As the Summer Games approach, he has stepped up his training regime, forgoing junk food as he concentrates on sleeping well and exercising.
He’s not fazed by the competition but is looking forward to making more friends and, in particular, attending the dance held at the end of the games.
Special Olympics Mana sport coordinator and basketball coach Helen Brookes said O’Connor – affectionately known as Bob – had come a long way from ‘‘the teenage grunter’’ she met a few years ago.
‘‘He’s really grown up a lot and Special Olympics has been so good for his confidence. He’s gone from being a kid in the corner to a very competitive sportsman.’’
Brookes said O’Connor and his fellow athletes were training three times a week with coaches plus exercising on their own.
The Summer Games are a big deal for the club – the fastest growing in the region – as medal winners are given a chance to compete in the Abu Dhabi World Games.
‘‘We’re incredibly proud of these guys, they really deserve to win.’’
The Faherty family, Wellington
The National Summer Games are a family affair for the Fahertys. Not only are brothers Adrian, 29, and Dominic, 23, competing in athletics, but mum Helena and dad Michael are both volunteering.
One parent will support Adrian, who has cerebral palsy, while the other assists the rest of the Special Olympics Wellington team.
Adrian and Dominic have been competing with Special Olympics for about nine years. Dominic has entered National Summer Games in the past and was part of New Zealand’s delegation at the 2012 TransTasman Tournament in Cairns, Australia.
Helena said the whole family was looking forward to the upcoming games. ‘‘It’s a really lovely event, there’s nothing like the buzz of it.
‘‘Both Adrian and Dominic enjoy the competition but also get a lot out of the social side of the Special Olympics. They are looking forward to meeting athletes from all over the country.’’