Connection the real winner of National Special Olympics

By Ava Campbell.

A record-breaking 850 athletes with autism or an intellectual disability competed in the National Special Olympics in Melbourne this week. 

Young gun Claudia Flamini wasted no time in showcasing her talent at the Olympics running an 11 second personal best in the 1500m.

The athlete says her early diagnosis of autism made her feel like an outsider but the games have given her a community she “enjoys to be a part of.” 

Flamini was the first ever Western Australian to compete in the Special Olympics World Championships. “I definitely think it's a really good opportunity, especially for people with autism,” she explained. “It's really a big deal to me and you always meet good friends and make connections along the way.”

 Claudia Flamini racing at the National Special Olympics. Photo: Ava Campbell

Claudia’s coach Maria says she finds it hard to explain how important the games are to the athletes and the wider community.

“It’s so amazing because everyday life, that's the struggle…but then you put them in this space and it's like, what communication problem? What friendship problem? What was a barrier is no longer a barrier,” she said.

Athletes competing at National Special Olympics. Photo: Ava Campbell

Friendship is a key theme throughout the Special Olympics with the event bringing participants together from all across the country.

Athletics star Harry Megzer says that the amount of cohesion and respect between the athletes shown is “unbelievable”. 

“That's what the Special Olympics are all about - sharing stories and experiences with other people and building that friendship and respect,” the Victorian runner said. 

New South Wales sprinter Lisa Weingartner says that friendships are the best part of the games. 

“Friendships are the most important I think because of how everyone connects and all have the similarity of athletics,” she said.

The 50th anniversary of the games wraps up today at the State Netball and Hockey Centre.