TWO DAYS TO GO! 

 

The Aussie team settled into the Athlete Village last night at Cypress Lakes turning the resort into a sea of green and gold as they gathered for a dinner celebration. Today, despite the heavy rain in Newcastle, the Aussie team are in training as they prepare for competition to kick off on 2 December 2013.

AUSSIE TEAM IN TRAINING

 

Today, the Aussie team were out and about at sports venues in Newcastle getting in some vital training with team-mates from around Australia before competition kicks off on Monday. To view pictures, click here.

 

CLAUDIA STARS ON TODAY

 

This morning local Newcastle basketballer and Team Australia athlete, Claudia Jackson joined Karl Stefanovic and Georgie Gardner on the couch of Channel Nine’s TODAY show to talk about how proud she is to represent Australia at the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games. Karl was charmed by the sixteen-year-old who was joined by her mum Leanne Jackson. Watching from the Athlete Village were Claudia’s team-mates who let out a big cheer when she waved to camera and said 'hi' to everyone back at the Village. Click the image above to watch the segment that aired this morning at 8.15am.

 

IT'S TIME TO CHAMPOGRAM!

 

You can send a message of support to the Aussie team via a champogram. Simply record a video, take a photo or write a message and post it via Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #champogram in the post. Alternatively post your message to the Special Olympics Australia facebook wall . Once moderated, your message will appear on our champogram wall. View some of the champograms we have received below and watch our instructional video on how to champogram.

 

AUSSIES STEPPING OUT IN STYLE

 

When you are representing your country, you want to shout it out to the world and our Aussie athletes are not shy in seeking attention. Kristin Mercer is proud to be giving a personal green and gold to her Australian uniform.

 

If you spot something fun email a photo and caption tomedia@specialolympics.com.au and we will include it in our photo galleries.

 

TORCH RUN CONTINUES

 

Today our Law Enforcement Torch officers completed three legs of the Final Leg Torch Run through Muswellbrook, Singleton and Nelson Bay. Tomorrow the Torch Run will go through Maitland, Warners Bay and Spears Point. Click here to see more torch run photos.

 

WELCOME TO NEWCASTLE

 

Members of the Special Olympics Australia aquatics team, one of our wonderful volunteers and Newcastle Jets players share their preparation and excitement for the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games. With the Opening Ceremony only days away, it is time to heed the call of our athletes, volunteers and supporters and join us at Hunter Stadium on Sunday night to celebrate the opening of the Games.

 

MAKE A DONATION

With just five days to go until the Games, Team Australia still need some help to reach the $1.4 million team fundraising target. Click here to make a tax-deductible donation to the 400 Aussie athletes representing Team Australia.