Gala Fundraising Dinner
This year Special Olympics Australia sent a team of 64 athletes and officials to the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. This amazing team returned with 63 medals.
Come along and help us raise funds to continue to support competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disability and autism, and to recognise and celebrate our athletes returning from Berlin.
Hear about their experiences as they competed alongside 7,000 athletes from around the world.
By joining us you will enjoy an unforgettable evening and contribute to a brighter future for those with an intellectual disability and autism helping them to reach for the stars.
Corporate tables and sponsorship packages are available.
When
Saturday 21 October 2023
6:30pm
Where
Crystal Palace Ballroom
Luna Park, Sydney
Dress
Cocktail Attire
A Night to Remember with Peter
Join us for a night of celebration and enjoy one of Australia’s most talented comedians – Peter Rowsthorn. Peter's well known as long-suffering husband, Brett in the famous Australian comedy series Kath & Kim. Or you might have seen him on The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity.
The night will be hosted by respected Australian journalist and Nine News Presenter, Peter Overton AM.
Enjoy amazing entertainment by The Baker Boys, Special Olympics dancers and more, all while enjoying a sumptuous 3-course meal at the stunning Crystal Palace Ballroom at Sydney’s Luna Park, which has spectacular views of Sydney Harbour.
There’ll be an exclusive live charity auction, raffles, awards and great company too.
Why Celebrate?
This year, 64 athletes with intellectual disability and autism represented Australia at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. They competed in nine sports – athletics, basketball, bocce, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, swimming, tennis – and came home with 15 Gold, 22 Silver and 26 Bronze medals.
Some of our Aussie champions never dreamed of being able to play sport, let alone compete for Australia. But, we gave them the chance to reach for the stars and made dreams come true.
Meet Some of our Champions
This year, 64 athletes with intellectual disability/autism proudly wore the green and gold to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. It was the largest sports event on the planet with 7,000 athletes from 190 delegations.
Here are a few of our Aussie champions.
Lauren
Lauren competed in gymnastics and won one silver and two bronze medals. She shared this inspiring message after her debut wearing the green and gold: “Representing Australia has been a lifelong dream and I would say to anyone wanting to start gymnastics, diagnosis or no diagnosis, you can do anything you put your mind to…you just need to start.”
Michael
Multiple times a week you’ll find Michael at the local alley sharpening his tenpin bowling skills. When he was selected to represent Australia in tenpin bowling at the Special Olympics World Games Michael said, “I am so proud to be in the Australian team for the first time and to be going to the World Games. I am living my dream!” He went on to receive Australia’s first gold medal at the World Games 2023.
Jonathan
Before joining Special Olympics Jonathan could not swim. Today he is a silver medallist swimmer on the world stage after a huge performance in the 50m freestyle and a personal best in the 50m breaststroke at the Special Olympics World Games. Jonathan says, “Through sport I’ve learned to work hard to achieve my goals. Later in life I hope to live independently and find a permanent job.”
About Us
Special Olympics Australia
Special Olympics Australia brings sport, joy and inclusion to athletes with an intellectual disability and autism through physical activity, lifestyle and leadership programs.
