The Special Olympics Asia Pacific
Games got underway at Hunter Stadium, with more than 2300 athletes attending
the opening ceremonies.
Competition will begin today for 9
different sports, and people are encouraged to spectate the events which are
admission-free.
Games Director Chris Hevrin says
Newcastle is more than up to the task of hosting a great games.
“We had just under 25 000 people in
the stadium, the atmosphere was just electric,” he said, “I’ve never seen so
many people with a smile on their face and I don’t think I’ve ever been to an
event, big concerts included, where people danced as much for the whole night.
It was just amazing!”
The games have attracted athletes from
29 nations, and are the first to be held for the Asia-Pacific region.
“It just means so much to them and
they’re representing their country, this is an very very special occasion for
them. A lot them have ever been on a plane before, quite a lot have not seen
any ocean [sic] before,” said Mr Hevrin.
The athletes are staying at various
places around the Newcastle and Port Stephen’s area.
The events are free to spectate and
the full schedule of events can be found on their website.
