Special Olympics Ballarat athletes now have the same exposure to professional training and coaching as other athletes after an announ-

cement of a first-of-its-kind partnership in Australia.

Special Olympics Ballarat and WestVic Academy of Sport have joined forces to provide athletes in the disability sector with access to an education program to help athletes reach their full sporting potential and enhance their chances of state and national representation.

Special Olympics Ballarat chairman Stuart Bates said the initiative wasn’t simply about giving the athletes expo-

sure to professional training, but also working to break down barriers surrounding athletes with a disability.

“It’s a big step forward for Special Olympics,” he said.

“It legitimises the values these athletes bring to sport.

“Rather than looking at people with a disability, it’s looking at what they can do.”

31-year-old athlete Marion McKenzie is one of the program’s seven participants.

Now in her second year, she said the program was hugely beneficial to her preparations for the Special Olympics National Games.

As an equestrian rider, she said the additional training had helped develop muscles otherwise never properly trained before.

“My strength has improved incredibly,” Ms McKenzie said. “By going to the gym three mornings a week, and thanks to Di’s encouragement, my core strength improved so I was able to use my upper body when riding.”

Mr Bates said he hoped other regions would see the initiative’s benefits.

He said he hoped to one day see the eradication of athlete divides completely. 

“It’s setting a new standard; there are 60 other Special Olympic regions who could start this,” he said.

“The dream is that one day all athletes can compete together without segregation.”