Olympian effort from team

TASTE OF GOLD: Hibiscus Coast Special Olympics athletes scooped some medals at the National Summer Games. From left: Drew Laybourn, Jessica Woomack, Rebecca Wootton and Stephen Just.

Hibiscus Coast Special Olympics team brought home the gold from the National Summer Games held in Palmerston North from December 3 to 5.

The team of four athletes who entered the competition for the first time returned with 10 medals and two placings.

"These results demonstrate the determination and hard work from the athletes and volunteers," says regional sports co-ordinator Kay Harrison.

More than 1000 athletes from all over the country travelled to compete in 10 sports.

"It was very long days for the athletes and the volunteers, sometimes having to be at breakfast by 6am," says Kay.

"For many athletes the national games are the culmination of four years’ training and many personal bests are recorded."

The competition was close for Hibiscus athlete Stephen Just, who missed gold in the 200m sprint by one 100th of a second, and Rebecca Wootton who won the dressage by one point.

Rebecca and Drew Laybourn took part in equestrian events, Jessica Woomack in aquatics and Stephen in athletics.

"Our athletes really achieved and came away with a wealth of experience and confidence," team manager Nicki Ford says.

- © Fairfax NZ News