Special Olympics Athletes Compete At Mt Buller

Mt Buller welcomed snowsports athletes from across Australia this week for the Special Olympics National Winter Games.

The event serves as a qualifier for the upcoming Special Olympics in Turin in March 2025, with 14 athletes securing their ticket to Italy on the Mt Buller race courses on Wednesday.

The event started with a traditional Opening Ceremony complete with torch parade and the cauldron was lit by competitor Andrew Negrelli and Senior Seargent Steve Carden. The cauldron was delivered to Mt Buller by the Victorian Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) police officers, a worldwide fundraising vehicle for Special Olympics. This dedicated group provide opportunities for inclusion and improved quality of life for children and adults with intellectual disabilities through support for Special Olympics programs and championing various fundraising initiatives. 

Esteemed Winter Olympian Jacqui Cooper attended the Opening Ceremony and said, “Anytime there’s a flame lit it lights passion, enthusiasm, dedication and it really lights that competitive spirit in the athletes. Whether you’re at the Olympic games, Special Olympics, Paralympics, the lighting of the cauldron really is the beginning of everything. So, it’s a very exciting time today. Good luck to all the athletes!”

Mt Buller last hosted the Special Olympics National Winter Games in 2015 and is thrilled to welcome this important event back to the mountain.

Noel Landry, General Manager at Buller Ski Lifts explains, “I’m really excited Buller is hosting such a special event. As a community we love to see, share and celebrate the joy of winter sports with everyone. These athletes show true grit and perseverance in making it to the national level of their chosen sport, and I wish the best of luck to those who have qualified for Turin. We’ll all be cheering for them.”

Mt Buller works closely with Disabled Winter Sports Australia to support the dreams of all people who wish to experience the thrill of sliding on snow. DWA’s mission is to make the slopes safely accessible to everyone, regardless of physical or intellectual differences, and “find their freedom on the snow.” With a presence at five major resorts across the country, including Mt Buller, DWA has created a vibrant network of volunteers, guides, and participants.