PORT Stephens Special Olympics athlete and national leader Keiran Corry is drawing on 25 years with the Special Olympics movement to ensure athletes have a voice, from local communities through to the national boardroom and across the Asia Pacific.
A competitive swimmer, Corry has participated in Special Olympics for more than 20 years, competing at club, state, national, and international levels before moving into leadership roles.
He currently serves as an Athlete Representative on the Special Olympics Australia Board and is Co-Chair of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Athlete Leaders Council.
Those positions provide an opportunity to ensure decisions about athletes are informed by athletes themselves.
“The athletes that participate in Special Olympics programs are unique,” he said.
“I use my status as a respected athlete to hear from them and present their opinions to the board.”
That athlete voice will be particularly important as Special Olympics Australia prepares for its National Games in Melbourne from 19-23 October.
More than 850 athletes with intellectual disability and autism are expected to compete, with the games also marking 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia.
Having attended five previous National Games, Corry said their value extended well beyond competition.
“The National Games means many things to many athletes besides competing and winning medals,” he said.
“Having been to five nationals before, I get to meet athletes from all over the country and reconnect with those I’ve met before – some for over 20 years.”
Corry remains connected to his regional roots and believes there’s potential to grow Special Olympics participation closer to home.
“Special Olympics in the Hunter Valley region, including Port Stephens, covers a large area,” he said.
“Currently most of the athletes live in a small patch in Newcastle and the lower Hunter Valley, so there is room to expand in areas, such as Port Stephens.”
His message to local people with intellectual disability or autism, and their families, is that Special Olympics can offer more than competition.
“From the outside looking in, it looks like just another sports organisation,” he said.
“But the friendships and confidence building mean so much more.”
By Jacie WHITFIELD
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