Team Australia has won its first medals at the Special Olympics World Games.
The first medal secured went to the bocce team who took bronze in the teams event on Monday.
Each bocce team member will be presented with their medal at an awards ceremony on Wednesday, 22 June 2023. The medallists are Stuart Gorton (QLD), Georgiana Mouratidis (VIC), and husband and wife duo Andrew and Vicki Robbins (VIC). The Australian team beat host-country Germany 10-4 to secure the bronze.
Speaking on his medal, Andrew Robbins said, “It is a dream come true! I've always wanted my wife and I to win a bocce medal together at the World Games, and we couldn’t be prouder to have achieved this today with this incredible team.”
Andrew is one of 64 Australian athletes currently competing at the Special Olympic World Games, which is the biggest multi-sport event to be held in Germany since the Olympic Games in Munich, 1972.
On Tuesday morning, the Australian bowling team also won a bronze medal in the Teams category. They were presented with their medals at an Awards Ceremony the same afternoon. The winning team where: Angela Fowler (NSW), Michael Wheatley (NSW), Robert Goodrem (VIC) and Brooke Greenhalgh (VIC).
And there’s a dream theme. Bronze medallist bowler, Michael Wheatley said, “I’m living the dream!”
Other achievements by Team Australia on Tuesday:
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Stuart Gorton (QLD) won silver in bocce (men’s singles) to add to his bronze medal (teams).
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Jaye Barnesby-Buie (WA) won bronze in equestrian (dressage).
“Playing sport can help Australians with intellectual disability or autism discover their talents and lead a more fulfilling life. We couldn’t be prouder to be able to announce this year’s first medals, and look forward to seeing more of our athletes getting recognition for their remarkable talents,” said Pierre Comis, CEO of Special Olympics Australia.
The Special Olympics World Games, the world’s largest inclusive sporting event, is underway in Berlin. At the Games, 7,000 athletes with intellectual disability from 190 delegations are competing across 26 sports over nine days.
Team Australia is competing in nine sports and still have opportunities to medal in: athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, swimming, and tennis.
To follow Team Australia, visit www.specialolympics.com.au
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Links to Photos and Footage
Please see below relevant links to imagery and B-roll footage. Specific photos are captioned and should be credited to Highflyer Images, unless otherwise indicated. B-roll footage is to be credited: (C) LOC Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
Dream Comes True for Husband and Wife Bocce Duo
Bowling Team Accept First Medals
Bocce Silver and Bronze Medallist, Stuart Gorton
Equestrian Bronze Medallist, Jaye Barnesby-Buie
