Special Olympics success

Employees in Minda’s Commercial Enterprises had some outstanding success at the recent Special Olympics Australia National Games, held in Adelaide, bringing home an impressive medals tally.

Envirocare employee, Jim, is no beginner when it comes to a national level sporting competition. The recent Games saw Jim compete for the third time, bringing home a silver medal in the men’s division one basketball. The team has been together for four years and practice every Saturday morning.

“Division one is the toughest category. We won every match against teams from Victoria and New South Wales, except for the grand final unfortunately,” Jim says.

Staring out playing basketball when he was seven, Jim remains a strong fan of the sport: “I just love going on court. And I’m always meeting new people!” he says.

The adventurous 21-year-old is now considering competing in swimming at the next Special Olympics, as well as exploring Aussie rules football.

Dale also took home an impressive medal haul, with the 22-year-old representing South Australia in several tenpin bowling events, with a performance that was nothing short of impressive.

Winning medals in three categories, gold in the doubles and singles events, and a silver in the team event, Dale says initial nerves were quickly dispelled.

“I was nervous on the first day and again on the last day as it was a big game against people I’d never met before. But once I start to bowl, the nerves just go away,” he says.

The Laundry & Linen Services employee has bowled competitively for 14 years and having had his first taste of national Special Olympics competition, Dale is now looking forward to more national and even international competitions in the future.

On behalf of the Minda community, congratulations to Dale and Jim on their incredible results; we can’t wait to see what you have in store next!