Kieran has just celebrated his 21^st birthday and what a celebration it was. Turning 21 and being selected to represent New South Wales in Basketball at the Special Olympics IX National Games in Adelaide from 19-24 April 2010 sealed 2009 as a very important year for Kieran.

The Special Olympics Basketball program began over 15 years ago. Kieran has been part of this program for the past six years. He is the Power Forward on the team, he is a bit bigger and stronger than the other players and able to use his size to full advantage for defence and rebounding. Although Kieran’s primary job on the team is not to score baskets he has been known to score a few 3 pointers in a match. He is unselfish with the ball and always the first to congratulate his fellow team mates and opposition when they score.

Kieran’s selection on the NSW C Grade Basketball Team is well deserved. He is a consistent team player, and a great role model who loves the sport of basketball.

If you would like to help Kieran on his journey to the National Games you can make a donation by downloading the Athlete Supporters Form and mail it to Special Olympics Sydney Northern PO Box 486 Collaroy Beach NSW 2097.

On Saturday 20^th and 21^st September 2008 two teams of basketballers (16 athletes), travelled to Terrigal to compete at the State Basketball Competition. The teams played 3 games of Basketball each with the C Grade winning two and Challenge B winning two and drawing in one game.

 The C Grade team displayed great team work all weekend. Both their offensive and defensive play was great and every player gave outstanding performances. The highest point scorers for the C Grade were Bindi Fontan-Holder, Ben Crane and Anders Kobula with very impressive defensive work by our two females Analise Fadeev and Gabrielle Clark who were supported and backed up with some great individual game play by Kieran Kelleher, Nick Hogan and Darren Martin.

 The Challenge B Team were simply fantastic in their first competition – capably coached by Special Olympics athletes Garth Perry this team of players grew taller with every game played. They were all hungry for the ball and after a few nervous moments settled in to playing great team work in passing and dribbling the ball.  Harrison Werner was our highest scorer with an impressive 44 points supported by Mathew Sestich who earned 22 points for the team.  Great defensive work was displayed by Steve Paranthoeine, Beth Hull, Elyce Leyland, Amanda Storey, Mark Jensen and Adrian Milner.   

 Head Coach Lorraine Clark is extremely proud of all players they have trained hard all year and the results are a true indication of their commitment.

Garth Perry’s success as a 1^st year coach also gave the region and his mentor Lorraine a great deal to be proud of. Garth was a great basketball player and now he is on his way to be a great Special Olympics Basketball Coach.  Congratulations Garth.

C Grade Photo: Seated L to R – Darren Martin, Gabrielle, Clark, Analise Fadeev and Nick Hogan - Standing L to R – Lorraine Clark (Coach), Anders Kobula, Ben Crane, Bindi Fontan-Holder and Kieran Kelleher

Challenge B  Photo – Seated L to R – Adrian Milner, Mark Jensen, Beth Hull and Amanda Storey - Standing L to R – Steve Paranthoeine, Harrison Werner, Garth Perry (Coach), Elyce Leyland and Mathew Sestich