The 2008 NSW Volunteer of the Year Award Ceremony was held by The Centre for Volunteering on Friday, 5 December 2008 at NSW Parliament House.

2008 NSW Senior Volunteer of the Year Lorraine Clark receives her Award from Minister Graham West. Lorraine has been volunteering with the Special Olympics for the past 18 years.

The Sydney North region’s 2008 Senior Volunteer of the Year Lorraine Clark accepts her recognition pin from Minister West.

At the end of the walk the walkers were applauded by families of young children with Down syndrome who joined our picnic in the park 

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A bus load of Elvis Fans (7athletes and 3 volunteers) from Sydney Northern left Narrabeen on Friday 9 January to be part of the Elvis Festival in Parkes and what a fantastic time we all had. Our 12 seater bus was filled with fans wearing all sorts of Elvis gear from the signature gold glasses, t.shirts, heavy gold jewellery, handbags, watches and some crazy hairdo’s and wigs. We sang Elvis songs on the journey there and back and everyone had an absolute ball. 

Our athletes had everyone up dancing and grooving to the music from the Elvis Impersonators and our own Josie McLean caught the attention of the judges who gave her a special award for the best dancer on the day. Josie was up dancing from the moment we arrived at the Festival and not even the pouring rain discouraged thespirits of our athletes, who showed everyone how to enjoy themselves.  

Ken, Kathy and Lisa Vineburg were in the parade in their originals FJ Holden, Ken looked resplendent with his dyed black hair and gold lame suit and Lisa and her mum Kathy wore matching beehive wigs. We are already organising next year’s trip to Parkes and next year we hope to actually take part in the parade.

This is a great weekend, plenty of fun things to do, lots of great music, Elvis look-alikes everywhere and everyone is happy as you can see by this photo. For more photos check out the Photos page on the website.

The Winner of the 2008 Dr John Day Award is an athlete that has shown great leadership on and off the playing field. Having been part of Special Olympics for almost 20 years, this athlete has contributed heavily to the development of her region. She has not only been a committed and successful sportswoman in Swimming, Gymnastics, Track & Field, Basketball and Golf, but she was also the first athlete to serve on a NSW regional management committee. Her involvement and passion to promote the organisation has led her to visit many countries, including a personal invitation to the 2007 World Games in Shanghai from Tim Shriver to be his Honoured Guest.

This Sydney Northern athlete has recently completed her Level one accreditation for Basketball and is now focusing on her main sport, Golf.

In her own words ‘Special Olympics has helped me achieve so much in my life - I just want to give something back so that other athletes can see what can be done if you have support’

Special Olympics Australia proudly announces the winner of the Dr John Day Award 2008 is Gabrielle Clark

Congratulations to our State Softball Team who won GOLD at the recent State Carnival.

Great coaching by Olly and Beth certainly helped!

Congratulations to all our athletes that participated in the State Bocce Carnival on Oct 12th 2008.

A great day was had by all. Thanks to the Police Torch Run, all the volunteers and Manly Vale Bowling Club.

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