A number of you will be aware that Bradley Garner and I returned from the Special Olympics World Games in LA a few weeks ago. We had an incredible time and the team achieved a result well beyond my expectations, ending up with a silver medal in the second division and being ranked 6th in the world overall. The best result ever by a New Zealand team at these games. In addition to that the New Zealand team was awarded the Deloittes Trophy for being the team that best demonstrating sportsmanship and Special Olympic values. The almost 300 volunteers at basketball voted for us number one out of the 75 teams at the tournament.

 

I've attached a few photos to give you an idea of what we got up to during our 3 weeks. For the basketballers amongst you, you will see a photo of the team with Klay Thompson one of the "Splash Brothers" (starting guard with the Golden State Warriors - current NBA Champions). A long story - but we got invited to Klay's managers apartment on the 42nd floor of the Carlton Ritz and had a private session with him for the best part of an hour!

 

Again I want  to thank you all very much for supporting Bradley leading up to the Games, your support was invaluable in getting him there. He had an outstanding tournament and  represented all of us and his country proudly with distinction.   

 

To give you some idea of what the World Games are about, you might be interested in viewing this video that was shown during the closing ceremony of shots taken of action across all sports during the Games.   https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TPRPYmp-BRQ

 

Thanks again for your support, it was truly appreciated to help Bradley get to this once in a life time event for him.

 

 

cheers Al Robson