Special Olympics Indoor Bias Bowls Championships
The weather didn't matter to these keen bowlers at the Risdon Vale Community hall for the annual Special Olympics Tasmania (SOTAS) indoor bias bowls championships in August 2009.
Forty five competitors from all regions of the state travelled to Hobart over the weekend of 16 and 16 August 2009.
This program is part of a locally popular sports initiative available under Special Olympics International rules. It enables us to offer opportunities at a local level where there is specific interest in a particular sport. As there is currently no national or international competition pathway for Indoor Bias Bowls, the State Games are the pinnacle event for those athletes who train every week in their chosen sport. As such, we expect a weekend of spirited competition as this event is a great opportunity for athletes not only to reap the benefits of their hard work through competition but also to represent their region, to travel with friends and family, and to meet and interact with other athletes-on and off the "mat".
For SOTAS, this is one of the biggest games of the 2009 calendar, being held over two days of competition with many events running simultaneously. It is one of the most volunteer intensive events requiring 14 officials per day, plus other event staff roles. We will also be holding a dinner dance for athletes, volunteers and supporters on the Saturday night.
Mika Kirk-Williams – Representing Tasmanian Hockey
Mika Kirk -Williams is the latest beneficiary of The Lord Tavernier's Tasmanian Branch.
Mika was chosen to represent Tasmanian in hockey at the Pacific School Games in Canberra in November 2008. Mika participated in the 12 and under tournament. This was the first time that hockey had been included in the Pacific School Games.
Teams from Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, Singapore, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Victoria and Western Australia participated in the full round robin competition. Tasmanian finished in sixth position.
Mika's mother had been sick for an extended period. She had supported Mika's nomination for the team but was overwhelmed by the costs involved when Mika was selected to represent his state. When given the news of the support from The Taverners, her reaction was that she felt like she had won the lottery.
Sadly Mika's mother passed away in early January 2009, however her daughter commented at the funeral how this donation from the Taverners made her mother really happy and removed a large amount of stress from her mind at a difficult time.