Shane Hewitt, Sheamus Neilson (both football), Ryan Stewart (powerlifting) and Matt Woodason (football coach) are among the New Zealand’s 39 athletes, and 22 support staff, preparing for the Special Olympics World Summer Games getting under way tomorrow.
The games, held in Berlin, are huge with more than 7000 athletes, from 19 countries, competing across 26 sports.
They are supported by 20,000 volunteers, and about 300,000 spectators are tipped to watch the event.
Neilson, who has been playing football for eight years and won a national title previously, said he was "very happy" to be at the games and making his parents proud.
"[It’s] so good," Neilson said.
"My dad will have to support Otago now. I want to go back to East Otago School and tell them all about my trip."
He looked forward to playing against different counties, and hoped New Zealand could win gold, but felt enjoying the experience was more important.
Neilson said having a good contingent of Otago athletes alongside him was nice, as did Stewart.
"I am enjoying having my Otago friends with me over in Germany and we are all proud to represent Otago on the world stage," Stewart said.
Powerlifting has been his main sport for 12 years — he reached his goal of bench-pressing 85kg in the leadup to the World Games — and also looked forward to competing against different athletes.
"I am proud to represent my country.
"I am looking forward to lifting and doing my best."
Head of New Zealand’s delegation Rowena Massey said
the athletes received a warm welcome ahead of the competition.
“The city is just buzzing. From the moment you arrive at the airport or drive into town, Special Olympics colours and uniforms are dominating the city," Massey said.
“You can really sense that not just Berlin, but the entire country, has really embraced these World Summer Games.
“Special Olympics athletes in New Zealand train and compete out of the spotlight . . . so they all love the attention here and being treated like the stars they are."
The World Games finish next Sunday.
