Cessnock was well-represented at the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Adelaide last month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Local athletes Joseph Smith (swimming) and Mary Marks (ten pin bowling) won seven medals between them.
Smith, 18, won gold in the M1 50m freestyle, and bronze in the 50m backstroke, 100m freestyle and team relay in his division, with personal best times in all events.
He said it was a great competition, and thanked all of the supporters, sponsors and carers who helped the NSW team get to the games.
Smith has a chance of being selected in the Australian team for the 2019 World Games in Dubai, which will be announced in the coming weeks.
He was planning to retire from competitive swimming after the National Games to focus on his studies, but said he would be willing to put off his retirement if he was.
Marks, 53, gained silver in the F7 singles and the FD4 doubles (with Lauren Carroll) and bronze in the team event.
She has been competing in ten pin bowls for 27 years and said it was a difficult competition, with lots of good bowlers, and that she had a fantastic time.
Special Olympics provides sporting opportunities for athletes with intellectual disability. More than 1000 athletes competed in 11 sports in the National Games, which are held every four years.
