For Sam Schloeffel, the 2026 National Games will be about much more than competition.
As a member of the National Games Athlete Ambassador Team, Sam will also take to the stage at the Opening Ceremony alongside Peter Overton as co-MC. Having competed at National Games himself, Sam knows the nerves, excitement and pride that come with representing your state and stepping onto the field of play.
Now, as an Athlete Ambassador, he has a different role to play.
We caught up with Sam to find out what the role means to him, what he’s looking forward to and what message he has for the athletes heading to Melbourne.
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How did you feel when you found out you’d been chosen as an Athlete Ambassador for the 2026 National Games
I was very excited and proud when I found out, Special Olympics has become a huge part of my life so being chosen as an athlete ambassador means so much to me. I want to be a role model for other athletes and show what people with intellectual disability and autism can achieve when given the opportunity. Special Olympics is inclusive of us all.
You’ll be co-hosting the Opening Ceremony with Peter Overton. What does this opportunity mean to you, and how are you feeling about it?
It means so much to me. I’m definitely going to be a bit nervous but I’m also super excited, I know having a host like Peter Overton will help the nerves as he is a true professional in working with the public. To be up there representing the athletes is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life.
What are you most looking forward to about being part of the Opening Ceremony?
I’m most looking forward to seeing all the athletes come together and celebrating them. I know what it’s like to compete at National Games, so being able to welcome everyone on the day and help create that excitement at the Opening Ceremony is going to be something truly special.
You’ve competed at a National Games and represented Australia at a World Games. How does it feel to now have a different role at the National Games and help tell the story of the Games?
At first I was a little disappointed to not be chosen as a Basketball athlete with Team NSW but now being given this Ambassador role it makes me realise how important being in another role other than an athlete is. I know the hard work, nerves and excitement that goes into competing, now I get to use those experiences to tell the athletes stories and show people what Special Olympics is really about. It’s a different role for me but one I’m really proud to have.
What do you hope you can bring to the Athlete Ambassador role, particularly for the athletes competing in Melbourne?
I want to bring energy, positivity and support to any athlete feeling the pressure of wanting to give their absolute best. I want the athletes to know that this is their moment and they should be very proud of what they’ve achieved just to get there. I also want to be someone they can relate to because I’ve competed at this level myself. Most importantly I want to be a role model and to celebrate the wins and also be there to help them with the losses. Every athlete should feel celebrated.
If you could say one thing to all the athletes, families, volunteers and supporters coming to Melbourne for the National Games, what would it be?
Enjoy every moment. For the athletes, compete hard, believe in yourselves and be proud of how far you’ve come. To the families, volunteers and supporters, thank you for everything you’ve done to make Special Olympics possible. Let’s make the 2026 National Games something we’ll never forget. ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt’.
See you at the Games
As the Special Olympics Australia movement celebrates 50 years of inclusion, Sam will be right at the heart of one of its biggest moments yet.
As Sam says, the message is simple: enjoy every moment.
The 2026 National Games begin in Melbourne on 19 October with a highly anticipated Opening Ceremony, directed by acclaimed Creative Director Andrew Walsh AM. Tickets to the Opening Ceremony at Margaret Court Arena are still available via AXS.
