Greater Bank’s #GreaterCentralCoast Community Funding Program will support three athletes from the Special Olympics Central Coast Club in their quest to compete at the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Launceston this October.
Special Olympics Central Coast Club has received $2,000 after taking out the public vote in the program’s August round, which will go directly towards supporting the local athletes.
Special Olympics Central Coast Club is part of the Special Olympics network that provides a range of sport, recreation, social and health opportunities, for people with an intellectual disability to have fun, be healthy, build self-esteem, demonstrate courage, and make friends.
Special Olympics Central Coast Club Vice Chair, Jennie Harrison, said the organisation relies heavily on community support.
“We currently have 52 athletes in the Central Coast club competing in tennis, ten pin bowling, basketball, golf, soccer, bocce, athletics and swimming,” Jennie said.
“We are very proud and excited that three of them have qualified for the National Games in Launceston in October – one in tennis and two in tenpin bowling – with the ultimate goal being selection for the Australian team to compete at the Special Olympics in Berlin next year.
“Each of the athletes needs to raise $4,000 to cover their expenses, so this money from the #GreaterCentralCoast Community Funding Program will be split between them to reduce that financial burden.
“We normally rely on community support and fundraising events like raffles and community BBQs to help with the athlete’s expenses. They enjoy the opportunity to help at these events.
“We are delighted to receive this funding from the Greater as it makes a massive difference to our athletes and their families and takes the pressure off them to cover the entire cost of travelling to compete in the National Games.”
Jennie Harrison, Special Olympics Central Coast Club Vice Chair
Also benefiting from the August round were runners-up, Toukley and District Art Society and 1st Ourimbah Scout Group, each receiving $500.
Greater Bank’s Central Coast Regional Sales Manager, Josh Swetnam, said Special Olympics Central Coast Club provides terrific opportunities for local athletes.
“It’s extremely important for all people to have access to sports where they can compete at their own level,” Josh said.
“We’d like to wish the Central Coast athletes all the best for the National Games and good luck in your quest to qualify for next year’s Special Olympics!”
The nominees in our September round are Brooke Avenue Public School P & C Association, Point Clare Public School and Central Coast GangShow, with another $2,000 to go to our winner and $500 to each of our runners up.
Online voting in the September round of the #GreaterCentralCoast community funding program opens at 9.00am Monday September 5 until 5.00pm Wednesday September 28 at www.greater.com.au/greatercentralcoast.