Special Olympics Team Uniform Presentation and Morning Tea

Honorary Consul of Germany, Professor Michael Rosemann; Special Olympics Australia, State Coordinator for Queensland, Ms Kimberly Lawley; National Membership Manager, Ms Maureen Scott; Head of Team Australia, Ms Susie Bennett-Yeo; Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 Team Members, your family, friends and invited guests; ladies and gentlemen, welcome.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here today.

What a wonderful occasion it is that gathers us here this morning. Together with my husband Graeme, I am so proud to be joint Patron of Special Olympics Queensland, and to be able to be with you all today in order to present your team uniforms. I imagine you are all as excited as I am.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that I had the honour of presenting some of our Special Olympics World Games 2019 Team members with the Australian Sports Medal, in November last year.  They say time flies when you’re having fun!

But of course, I understand that any fun you’ve been having in preparation for the Special Olympics has no doubt been overridden by the many, many months of physical and mental training to ensure that you are at your very best for competition.

And for all that hard work, I would like to congratulate and thank you on behalf of all Queenslanders. We are so proud of your achievements, even before these Games take place.

The Special Olympics World Games are billed as being able to unite the world like no other event can, overcoming prejudices through the power of sport. Uniting the world may not have been the reason you decided to do what you do, but it sure is a great side effect, don’t you think?

In acknowledging the heights to which you, as Special Olympians have risen through your effort and determination, I also wish to acknowledge all those people who have helped you along the way; your coaches, teammates, supporters, families and friends; the communities of people who want the very best for you.

Many of those people are here today, proudly watching you take ownership of your backpack and team uniform.

As we move to the team presentations, I would like to first present a Certificate of Vice-Regal Patronage to Special Olympics Australia State Coordinator for Queensland, Ms Kim Lawley.

As your Joint Patrons, both Graeme and I both deeply appreciate the opportunity to be associated with the Special Olympics and wish the teams all the very best in Berlin in June.