New uniforms will instil a ‘sense of pride’

Otago's Special Olympics athletes will be able compete with a new sense of pride thanks to a donation of new uniforms.

The Special Olympics Otago Trust has received a $13,261 grant from the New Zealand Community Trust for new kits the athletes will sport at upcoming events when they represent the region.

Multi-code athlete David Sullivan, of Dunedin, said the new uniforms provided direction and cohesiveness for teams from the region.

"It gives a sense of pride and a belonging to the team".

The old uniforms were getting old and needed to be replaced, he said. The new ones would be navy blue and gold.

Mr Sullivan said it was great to have backing from the community to fund the new uniforms.

"It’s really important that there is an inclusion of the Special Olympics community, not only in Otago but across New Zealand".

Mr Sullivan will represent Otago in basketball at the Regional Summer Games this year, which are being held in Dunedin.

He said he was also looking forward to sporting the uniform at the New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games in Christchurch in December next year.

mark.john@odt.co.nz