Special Olympics Australia

About us

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills, and success. Our athletes inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential.

Games Advisory Board Ambassadors Games Organising Committee Partners Staff FAQ

Games Advisory Board

The National Games is overseen by a Games Advisory Board with broad corporate and nonprofit experience.

John Dent

Games Board member

John is currently a director in the statewide firm of PDA Surveyors and manages their Launceston office. He has served on various professional bodies, including the Surveyor’s Board, and the Tasmanian Planning Reform Taskforce. John has been involved in many community groups as a member and office bearer including chairman of the St Giles Society, Vice Chair of Assistance, Rehabilitation, Care (ARC) and is President of the West Tamar Historical Society. He was awarded an OAM in 2006 for service to the community, particularly through a range of historical, service and rural youth organisations and to surveying.

Janie Finlay

Games Board member

Janie Finlay played a leading role as the Chair of the Launceston Tornadoes basketball team and is currently a member of the NBL Tasmania Advisory Board. Janie represented Tasmania in softball and more recently competed in the Aussie Masters Games. Janie is currently a Councillor with the City of Launceston and from 2005-2005 served as Mayor, at the time being the youngest female Mayor in Australian history. Over time Janie has operated award-winning hospitality and commercial real estate businesses and served on the Board of both Metro Tasmania and the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.

Ambassadors

Icons of success generously lending their time, talent, and resources to support the National Games.

Games Organising Committee

The National Games is led by a Games Organising Committee with experience in Operations, Sport, and Intellectual Disability.

Partners

NAB

As the Presenting Partner of the 2022 National Games, NAB has a unique opportunity to change the conversation and attitudes towards acceptance and social inclusion in Australia. This is important to customers, employees, and the communities NAB works in. NAB is committed to living its purpose of backing the bold and helping Special Olympics athletes reach their potential.

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Staff

The National Games is being delivered by our experienced and professional staff members from around the country.

FAQ

Find out more about the National Games

Q: What does the National Games logo signify?

Inspired by the designers’ nephews who have Fragile X Syndrome, the logo celebrates inclusivity in sport and the gift sport provides to instill confidence and provide opportunity and joy.

Launceston is renowned for its beautiful parks, gardens and endemic flora. The Cataract Gorge is one of its draw cards and within that, the beautiful flora and fauna there attract many locals and visitors. Peacocks were introduced in the 1800s and remained a spectacular sight in this stunning environment.

The logo’s colours are derived from a peacock’s palette and are lively, engaging and strong – representing the boldness, colour and vibrancy she sees in her nephews every day. Peacocks symbolize vision, freedom and self-expression. In Greco-Roman mythology, their tails are said to be the “Eyes of the Stars” and in Hinduism are associated with patience, kindness and luck. That said, they make a perfect symbol for this event.

Q: What is the COVID vaccination policy for the Games?

A: We unequivocally support the public health orders in place to protect vulnerable communities against COVID-19. People with intellectual disabilities are a high-risk group for COVID-19 illness, complications, and death and we urge everyone to get vaccinated.

From 1 February 2022, double COVID-19 vaccination will be a minimum condition of participation, attendance, entry, volunteering, and employment with Special Olympics Australia. This policy applies to everyone 12 years of age and older.

In addition, our activities and events will all continue to be conducted with strict adherence to relevant public health orders.

We will continue to monitor information and advice and adjust our COVID Safety Plans as required, to keep the Special Olympics community safe.

You can read more about the COVID vaccination policy on the Special Olympics Australia website, by clicking here.