CHASING GAMES DREAM
Drysdale youngster selected for National Special Olympics
DRYSDALE youngster Marcel Braun has been selected to compete in National Special Olympics equestrian events, just 12 months after taking up horse riding.
The Drysdale Primary School student was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome last year and took up horse riding after his mum Rachel Butcher read about the benefits for children with developmental disorders.
Ms Butcher said Marcel, 11, was embraced and nurtured by staff at Wallington Park Equestrian School and the wider Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) Victoria community, and it wasn’t long before he was begging for his own horse.
“It turned out to be a bigger job than I thought,” Ms Butcher said.
“It took a long time to find the right horse that would click with him.
“We had looked at so many but he and Sasha bonded immediately. She loved him and he loved her . . . now she is his best friend.”
Ms Butcher said the 17-yearold quarter horse mare had made her son’s life brighter.
“He loves spending time with her, talking about his day. She makes him happy when he is sad and calms him when he is mad, it’s amazing,” she said.
“When he’s on the back of a horse he will communicate, have a conversation, he has a lot more self-confidence. Before that he could have quite easily faded into the shadows and not got noticed.”
Marcel’s first competition was in Werribee in March, but it was a recent gold medal in an English equitation event that made him eligible for Special Olympics selection.
He is one of four riders who will represent Victoria and the only one from the Barwon region.
“He was speechless to find out he was selected. He couldn't believe he had achieved something on his own. It was all him, no one else, just him and Sasha,” Ms Butcher said.
The National Special Olympics — held every four years — will take place in Adelaide in April next year and Marcel is scheduled to compete in dressage, show jumping and obstacle course events.
Competition fees are $3000, with additional costs for equipment and accommodation for his family.
It’s unlikely he will be able to compete on Sasha, so Marcel will have to overcome the challenge of riding a supplied horse.
The family is fundraising to help cover costs.
To donate, visit gofundme. com/marcelsdream or email rachelbutcher@live. com.au
“He was speechless to find out he was selected. He couldn't believe he had achieved something on his own. It was all him, no one else, just him and Sasha.” MARCEL’S MUM RACHEL BUTCHER