Wilson McShane, Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Port Turton’s Hugo “Rockstar” Taheny introduced the 2024 Special Olympics South Australian State Games in style earlier this month when he walked in the opening parade and made a speech to the athletes.
Speaking at the event on November 1, Taheny said he was humbled to have the opportunity to address the athletes before the games began at Priceline Stadium in Adelaide.
“I was very honoured to be asked to be a guest speaker at the Special Olympics State Games Opening Ceremony,” Taheny said.
“I like being a role model for younger people with a disability.
“I want to encourage people to be the best person they can be.
“I encourage athletes to enjoy their life, to meet other athletes and to make friends.”
Taheny is ranked number one in the world for shot put and discus for athletes with Down Syndrome, holds three world records for shot put, javelin and discus, and in June competed in the Oceania Games, in Fiji.
He said he loves representing Australia and enjoyed the opening ceremony in Adelaide, which attracted more than 350 Special Olympic athletes, dignitaries and Olympians.
“I love to wear the green and gold and always want to make my family, my friends and my community proud,” he said.
Members of South Australia Police and Special Olympics athletes also helped Taheny introduce the state games.
The Special Olympics SA State Games is targeted at athletes with intellectual disabilities and allows them to compete in a combination of inclusive sports including swimming, gymnastics and athletics.
Special Olympics South Australia State coordinator Matt Pearson said competitors came from across the state to compete.
“The Special Olympics focuses on ability and inclusion, where we provide fun and supportive opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sport,” Pearson said.
“We know that less than one per cent of South Australians living with an intellectual disability play sport, so we’re trying to raise awareness and increase participation in a supportive and inclusive environment.”
This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 19 November 2024.
