On Sunday night, the Otago crew joined 7000 other athletes with an intellectual disability from 190 countries to mark the end of a memorable 10 days during which the German hosts managed to elevate the Special Olympics World Summer Games to a new level.
Hundreds of thousands of fans filled up world-class facilities to watch the 26 sports, and there were live global broadcasts.
The New Zealand team comprising 39 athletes and 22 support staff gained a record high of 34 medals including five golds, 17 silver and 12 bronze.
Otago and Southland athletes played a big part in this medal haul. Otago powerlifter Ryan Stewart and Southland lifter Lynette Williams claimed eight of those medals between them alone.
The Southern contingent also included footballers Shane Hewitt and Sheamus Neilson, powerlifting coach Sonia Manaena and football coach Matt Woodason.
The lifters and footballers were clearly enjoying their final day of the World Summer Games, showing off their medals and swapping pens and shirts with other nationalities.
Powerlifter Stewart said he could not wait to show off his medals in Dunedin when they arrived home on Friday.
Footballer Neilson was keen to stay around a bit longer but fellow footballer Hewitt had seen enough of Germany.
"I can’t wait to get home and get into my own bed," Hewitt said.
His team wrote history by becoming the first New Zealand football team to win a match at the World Summer Games and was eliminated after an epic play-off against host Germany.
Football coach Matt Woodason said considering the team only had 15 or 18 hours together before the first game, it had done really well.
Head of delegation Rowena Massey said she was confident the World Summer Games would have a lasting impact on Special Olympics worldwide and in New Zealand.
"Special Olympics definitely moved away from the fringes where the disability sector historically was allowed to play our games out of the spotlight, but now that people are taking notice, they recognise the fantastic athletes in our team and the amazing courage and commitment they display in every event."
The World Summer Games were of an "epic scale" with an opening ceremony that had 80,000 spectators.
"Our athletes have demonstrated they were able to deal with this incredible environment, which can easily be distracting or intimidating," she said.
Athletes invited to the World Summer Games were selected on sporting ability but also on their resilience to travel internationally and be away from their family for three weeks.
