Three in Adelaide for Special Olympics

Three Peninsula residents took part in the Special Olympics titles in Adelaide last month.

Chris McClean of Ettalong Beach, Phillip Welsh of Umina and Carley Chapman of Umina competed along with hundreds of other people with an intellectual disability.

Chris McClean and Philllip Welsh played as teammates in the NSW soccer team while Carley Chapman competed in athletics events.

"They thoroughly enjoyed the friendly atmosphere of the games, as well as catching up with friends from past games," Special Olympics Central Coast publicity officer Ms Jenni Chapman said.

"Chris, who is usually a striker, and Phillip filled in for their injured goalkeeper and shared the demanding role between them.

"Chris saved an astonishing 20 shots on goal in one of their games.

"Phillip played out on the field and did his best for the team during all their games.

"He slept for about 13 hours on his return home and said how all his muscles were sore from playing so much soccer.

"Although their team came fourth, both Chris and Phillip played well and were thrilled to represent NSW and the Central Coast.

"Both players are hoping to be selected for the Special Olympics Australian soccer team to play in Athens, Greece, in 2011.

"Meanwhile, Carley Chapman was more than up for the challenge of representing NSW at the Special Olympics.

"Competing in athletics she has overcome a nagging foot injury that has plagued her training efforts, and won the women's 100 metre race and shot put in her division.

"Although she was placed fourth in long jump, she said that her sore foot stopped her from jumping properly.

"As the final runner in her division for the women's 100 metre relay, she ran a good time to bring her team home for fourth place.

"The Special Olympics is a not-for-profit organisation that is able to transform the lives of people with an intellectual disability, through regular sports participation and competition.

"Special Olympics Central Coast currently offers the following athletics, aquatics, golf, soccer, tennis and tenpin bowling, with the sport of Bocce commencing in the near future."

Email, 6 May 2010 Jenni Chapman, Special Olympics Central Coast