Footballers with intellectual disability ready to take on world

Not even a tropical cyclone could dampen the spirits of Team Australia when they gathered on the Gold Coast last weekend to prepare for the Special Olympics World Summer Games.
The Special Olympics World Summer Games, to be held in Los Angeles USA from 25 July–2 August 2015, will be the largest sporting event in the world this year showcasing 7,000 athletes with an intellectual disability from 177 countries who will compete across 26 sports.
Team Australia has 76 athletes and 29 volunteer officials who will compete across 12 sports, with eight athletes competing in football.
Liam O’Donnell is one of our Aussie football stars and he’s ready for LA.
"Special Olympics Australia has given me a lot of confidence and I am so proud to be representing my country. I will compete hard, play fair and hold my head up high," he said.
Please help the Special Olympics Australia football team get to the World Games with a tax-deductible donation at www.specialolympics.com.au/teamaustralia
Because disability won’t stop them…but money might.
Team Australia Football Team
Brandyn Patterson, SA                           Head Coach: Gavin Backhouse, NSW
Brendon Masters, WA                            Assistant Coach: Bevan Heslehurst, QLD
Christopher Minutillo, WA
Jarrod Lantry, NSW
Jason Kappler, WA
Liam O’Donnell, ACT
Michael Baker, QLD
Zachary Spoor, ACT
About Special Olympics Australia
Special Olympics Australia creates accessible sports training, coaching and competition opportunities for people with an intellectual disability so that they can reach their personal best, in sport and in life. Sports training is offered week-in and week-out in local communities across the country and competition occurs regularly throughout our four-year sporting cycle.
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Media Contact Sharon Nixon, Special Olympics Australia, sharonn@specialolympics.com.au, 0406 821 461