Athletes are at the heart of the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games. This year, six athletes will take on an important role in helping bring the Games to life as members of the National Games Athlete Ambassador Team.
The Athlete Ambassador Team will share their experiences in the lead-up to and during the National Games, connecting with the community and helping build excitement for the Games in Melbourne.
The six athletes were selected through an application and interview process, open to Athlete Leaders from across Australia who are not competing at the Games.
Congratulations to:
- Angela Braido - ACT
- Sophie Hughes - VIC
- Stephen Lawley - QLD
- Sam Schloeffel – NSW
- Kasey Thomson - VIC
- Lachie Wadsworth - VIC
For Special Olympics Australia, athlete leadership means ensuring people with intellectual disability and/or autism have a genuine voice and an active role in shaping the movement.
“Our athletes are at the centre of everything we do, but athlete leadership is about making sure they have a genuine voice in our movement,” said Special Olympics Australia CEO Jamie O’Connor.
“The six athletes selected for this team have each shown a real passion for Special Olympics and a willingness to share their experiences with others. I’m excited to see them step into this role, represent their fellow athletes and help tell the story of the National Games in their own way.”
During the National Games, the Athlete Ambassador Team will connect with athletes, fans, volunteers, supporters, families and partners. They will help showcase the people and stories behind the Games and play a role in medal ceremonies and other activities throughout the week.
For the ambassadors, it is also an opportunity to build their leadership skills, share their perspective and help people better understand the experiences and abilities of people with intellectual disability and autism, both on and off the field of play.
Meet the team
Angela Braido - ACT
Angela has been part of Special Olympics since 2017, representing Australia at the 2019 World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, where her basketball team won gold. She became an Athlete Leader in 2022 and has supported basketball training and other athletes to build their skills. Angela is also a passionate advocate for people with intellectual disability in Canberra and enjoys volunteering in her local community. Outside of Special Olympics, she works part-time in the Australian Public Service and loves painting, travelling, movies and bush walks.
Sophie Hughes - VIC
Sophie has been involved in Special Olympics since 2018 and competed at the 2022 National Games in Launceston. She loves helping out, promoting the spirit of Special Olympics and making others feel welcome. Through Athlete Leadership, Sophie has developed new skills, learned the importance of teamwork and enjoyed finding ways to support other athletes. She loves competing, travelling and meeting new people through sport.
Stephen Lawley - QLD
Stephen has been involved in Special Olympics for over 30 years and was an Athlete Leader at the 2006 National Games on the Gold Coast. He enjoys meeting people, helping others feel welcome and being involved in Special Olympics events. Stephen is passionate about making sure athletes have a strong voice and are seen for their abilities, confidence and leadership, both on and off the field.
Sam Schloeffel - NSW
Sam has been part of Special Olympics for six years, competing in basketball at the 2022 National Games in Launceston and representing Australia at the 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin. He enjoys meeting new people, supporting other athletes and sharing his story. Sam is a confident speaker and enjoys helping to promote the Special Olympics movement. He also works full-time for the NSW Government.
Kasey Thomson - VIC
Kasey has been involved in Special Olympics for 21 years and is a ten-pin bowling athlete, Athlete Leader and athlete representative on the National Games Advisory Committee. She is passionate about being a role model, representing the voice of athletes and promoting the values of Special Olympics. Kasey enjoys challenging herself, stepping outside her comfort zone and encouraging others, particularly young people with intellectual disability, to believe in themselves and have a go.
Lachie Wadsworth - VIC
Lachie has been involved in Special Olympics for four years and is a basketball athlete. He is passionate about being a voice for athletes and supporting others throughout the National Games. He is looking forward to helping create a welcoming Games environment and raising awareness of Special Olympics with the wider community.
