Deshan swims for Gold - Special Olympics World Games

My younger brother Deshan has always been the athlete in the family. His autism has never stopped him from putting his hand up in any sporting event. He loves to run, jump, play, and most importantly, Deshan loves to swim.

In 2008, Deshan was one of the first of three members to join the Special Olympics Te Awamutu team, ten years later, the team has grown to 40 swimmers.

In 2009, Deshan represented Te Awamutu at the club’s first entry into the National Summer Games held in Palmerston North where Deshan competed in 25m & 50m freestyle and 25m backstroke. The 50m freestyle event gave him his first Gold medal win.

Since then, Deshan has represented Te Awamutu in numerous Regional events, Asian and Pacific Games, Trans-Tasman Games, and three National Summer Games, all with enormous success. Through Special Olypics, Deshan has found his identity and passion for sport. He learned fair play and good sportsmanship, respect for others, improved his confidence, teamwork, and taking responsibility. There are many other benefits but most of all, it’s about fun and friendship, although Deshan does love to win!

For the first time, Deshan has been selected to represent New Zealand internationally at the World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi, scheduled for March 14-21, 2019. This will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world, with 7000 athletes and 3000 coaches representing more than 170 countries. It is the first Special Olympics World Games in the Middle East, the World Games will also feature 24 officially sanctioned Olympic-style sports in venues throughout Abu Dhabi.

These games come at a cost of $12,500 per athlete.

Deshan will represent New Zealand with pride, and he is looking forward to achieving great milestones in his sporting career. As a family, we would be extremely grateful for your generous contribution to help my brother attend the World Games.