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News
 Marian York Inducted into Hall of Fame
NEWS RELEASE
YORK INDUCTED INTO SPECIAL OLYMPICS HALL OF FAME
DATE RELEASED: MONDAY 9TH OCTOBER 2006.
A LEADING Gold Coast community worker has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the Special Olympics movement with induction into the national Special Olympics Hall of Fame.
Special Olympics Queensland President Marian York was presented with the prestigious award at the closing ceremony of the Special Olympics Australia VIII National Games at Dreamworld on Saturday night (7th October).
One of the key players in the organisation of this year's national games, Marian joins former recipients, Des Renford (2000), Carol Tanner (2001), Leon Burwell (2002), Jan Sharp (2003), fellow Gold Coaster Anna-Louise Kassulke (2004) and Robyn Hanson (2005) in the Hall of Fame.
'I'm extremely honoured to have received this honour, particularly given the calibre of my fellow nominees and those who have reached the Hall of Fame before me,' Marian said.
'It was a huge surprise to be sitting on stage watching the 2006 Games come to an end and then hear my name read out.
'It was particularly nice to share the moment with the thousands of athletes, supporters and volunteers who were at Dreamworld to celebrate what was a truly wonderful week,' she said.
Described as an indefatigable worker, Marian has been involved with Special Olympics for three decades, holding many senior positions on a number of committees at regional, state, national and international levels.
The Special Olympics Hall of Fame is an award for long standing service and achievement in a supporting role with Special Olympics in Australia.
It's presented annually with community nominations received from every state and territory.
And in a night of announcements, the host city of the IX Special Olympics National Games was also revealed on Saturday night.
The successful city, Adelaide, took delivery of the official games flag to officially kickstart the city's preparations for the 2010 event.
The flag was handed to Mike Rankin of South Australia Special Olympics by Special Olympics Australia Chairman, Rex Langthorne.
Mr Langthorne said Adelaide offers the 'perfect Special Olympics location'.
'Adelaide has a very efficient public transport network, plenty of accommodation within close proximity to some of the best sports venues in the country and an enviable reputation as a great host city of major sporting and cultural events,' Mr Langthorne said.
'I believe we've made an excellent choice for our next Games,' he added.
Saturday evening's closing ceremony was a fitting end to an outstandingly successful week of sporting competition.
Thousands of dedicated fans lined the streets of Dreamworld in tribute to their Special Olympic heroes.
The crowd cheered as the special athletes walked proudly, holding their heads high after a week filled with great memories and sporting achievements.
Barbara Rose, proud mum of swimmer Glenn Rose from the Hunter Valley, said the week-long event not only gave her son the chance to showcase his sporting talents and abilities but also gave him the opportunity to socialise and make new friends.
'Glenn has made so many friends and meeting so many people makes him feel truly special,' Mrs Rose said.
'He has had an absolute ball over the past week, he is just over the moon at the moment,' she said.
There were plenty of tears as the Special Olympics flame was extinguished and the flag lowered by quadruple gold medallist, Paul Gilbert.
But then it was time for celebration as the athletes spent the rest of their evening exploring Dreamworld, with many adrenalin junkies braving some of the Big Five thrill rides.
ENDS.
For further information please contact:
Wayne Hickson
HicksonMedia
07 5591 2556
0407 028 917
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