Smit picked to spread word

Marlborough athlete Dale Smit has been chosen to participate in Special Olympics New Zealand's inaugural athletic leadership programme.

The programme is part of Special Olympics' global messenger programme, which aims to promote Special Olympics and inform the public what it is all about.

Smit will take part in a programme in Wellington starting on March 29 and including courses to be held in June, September and November to qualify as a global messenger.

Smit's mother, Diana Smit, said Dale and the family were thrilled with his selection for the programme.

"Dale has achieved a fair amount, especially in sport. Special Olympics is all about showing that even if you have a disability, that doesn't mean to say you can't achieve. It's a great honour for him to be one of the first through the course. It's fantastic."

Part of the course teaches the Special Olympians public speaking skills to enable them to promote their sport and Dale will get to meet and speak with Prime Minister John Key at Parliament when the programme is launched on March 29.

Smit is an active member of the Marlborough Harrier Club and competes regularly in races throughout the province and away.

In 2007, he represented New Zealand at the Special Olympics Summer World Games in Shanghai, China, where he produced two outstanding performances to win a gold medal in the 10km run and bronze in the half marathon.

- The Marlborough Express