Welcome back to Central Coast Stories and if you are joining me for the first time a very big welcome to you.  I am a journalist and your host Kayleen Bell, and this is a Sunrise Sound Productions podcast.

Today I have the pleasure of bringing you an episode about the NSW and ACT Special Olympics Basketball tournament that was held on the Central Coast at the Niagara Park stadium on the 13th and 14th of June, 2026.

A couple of weekends ago I was taking a lovely afternoon walk on the Terrigal boardwalk when I ran into some enthusiastic athletes who were competing in the special olympics basketball tournament.  When they found out I am a journalist and podcaster they invited me to go along. 

The basketball event at Niagara Park was called the Leon Burwell Shield and athletes from 13 different clubs across NSW and ACT participated in the event.  Leon Burwell was a pioneering and deeply beloved figure in Australian disability sport, widely known as “Mr Special Olympics”. His contribution to Special Olympics Australia spanned decades from its national foundations through to grassroots community club development in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.

I had a chat with Jennie Harrison the Chair of Special Olympics Central Coast was happy to announce that they have ten (10) athletes from the Central Coast selected to participate in the National Games that will be held in Melbourne in October this year (2026).

I also caught up with Leanne Langthorne the Co-Ordinator of the NSW Special Olympics Basketball for athletes with an intellectual disability or autism.  She organises four competitions throughout the year.  Athletes come from all over NSW and the ACT. 

There were 172 athletes competing at the basketball tournament.  The youngest player was 8 and the eldest was 62 years of age.  Leanne said “the focus of the games is on what the athlete can do and making sure they are included and can play in a team atmosphere.” 

It was my pleasure to attend this very inclusive and friendly event and provide a platform for members of the special olympics community to have their voices heard in this podcast.

Special thanks to Jennie Harrison and Leanne Langthorne for their assistance today and special thanks also to the athletes, parents and coaches who feature in today’s episode of Central Coast Stories. 

I hope you enjoyed today’s episode.  Please subscribe so you do not miss an episode and I would be very grateful if you would share this podcast as well.  Please note Central Coast Stories will be taking a break for a couple of months while I shift gears and work on my other investigative podcast Talking PFAS, but please enjoy past episodes in the meantime.  Thanks again for listening.

Produced by Kayleen Bell Journalist - CEO Sunrise Sound Productions - Podcasts include Central Coast Stories & Talking PFAS sunrisesoundproductions@gmail.com (Spam or attempts to sell me things will not be replied to).

All information is copyright.  This episode can be posted on a website  or shared via social media in its entirety with attribution. 

On 22 April 2026, NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced at the National Press Club that social and community participation budgets will be reduced by 30 per cent. The average participant budget in this category is expected to drop from around $31,000 to $26,000 over the next two years, returning to roughly 2023 spending levels. These changes will roll out progressively from 1 October 2026, applied under existing planning arrangements ahead of the introduction of a new framework planning model.

Link to National Press Club of Australia address

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJa-mt-uTk

Show Notes:

Central Coast Info From Jennie Harrison the Chair of Special Olympics Central Coast. 

Central Coast training events are held each week in basketball, golf, tennis, swimming, bocce and ten pin bowling.  Locations: Ten Pin Bowling - Bateau Bay & Wyoming, Basketball - Niagara Park Stadium, Tennis & Bocce - Ourimbah, Swimming - Gosford 

Training is for athletes with an intellectual disability or with autism.  Current athlete age ranges include athletes as young as nine years old up to athletes in their sixties.

Weekly fees are usually about $10.00 per week and $200 initial joining fee to join Special Olympics Australia which covers the athletes insurances.

Regular newsletters are sent out and there is a private Facebook page you can request to join.

Extra Information on Special Olympics:

Special Olympics Central Coast:

https://www.specialolympics.com.au/find-a-sport-near-me/nsw/central-coast

centralcoast.secretary@specialolympics.com.au

“We’re proud to be part of the Special Olympics Australia community which brings sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability/autism. Our shared vision is an inclusive Australia where people with intellectual disability/autism live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.”

Special Olympics Australia: 

https://www.specialolympics.com.au/about/celebrating-50-years

“In 2026 Special Olympics in Australia will celebrate 50 years of breaking barriers, changing perceptions and creating communities where every athlete belongs.

‘Celebrating 50 Years of Inclusion: The Next 50 Starts Here’ honours the people who have shaped this movement and the impact inclusion has had on lives across the country.

For five decades our athletes have shown what is possible when people believe in their potential. Families have found connection and support. Coaches and volunteers have opened doors to opportunity. Local communities have grown stronger through the power of sport. These stories are the heart of Special Olympics in Australia.”

Opportunity to Support this Community and Volunteer:

“Special Olympics Australia (SOA) is seeking committed, skilled and values driven volunteers to join Team Australia for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games. These roles are critical to ensuring our athletes are supported, safe and empowered to perform at their personal best on the world stage.”

Special Olympics National Games Australia:

https://include.specialolympics.com.au/event/national-games-26/about-the-games

“From October 19-23, athletes from every corner of the country will come together in Melbourne, competing across 12 sports at the iconic Albert Park sporting precinct.  

Melbourne’s Albert Park sporting precinct will host thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters in a week-long celebration of ability, empowerment and unity. This National Games marks 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia and showcases the strength of community through sport. 

The 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games will be a celebration of courage, connection, and community, shining a light on the power of inclusion.”

Special Olympics World Summer Games 2027:

https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sport-and-competition/world-games

16 – 25 October 2027

“Santiago, Chile will host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games, marking the first time in the organization’s 55-year history that a World Games will take place in the Southern Hemisphere.”

Welcome back to Central Coast Stories and if you are joining me for the first time a very big welcome to you.&nbsp; I am a journalist and your host Kayleen Bell, and this is a Sunrise Sound Productions podcast.
Today I have the pleasure of bringing you an episode about the NSW and ACT Special Olympics Basketball tournament that was held on the Central Coast at the Niagara Park stadium on the 13th and 14th of June, 2026.
A couple of weekends ago I was taking a lovely afternoon walk on the Terrigal boardwalk when I ran into some enthusiastic athletes who were competing in the special olympics basketball tournament.&nbsp; When they found out I am a journalist and podcaster they invited me to go along.&nbsp;
The basketball event at Niagara Park was called the Leon Burwell Shield and athletes from 13 different clubs across NSW and ACT participated in the event.&nbsp; Leon Burwell was a pioneering and deeply beloved figure in Australian disability sport, widely known as &ldquo;Mr Special Olympics&rdquo;. His contribution to Special Olympics Australia spanned decades from its national foundations through to grassroots community club development in the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
I had a chat with Jennie Harrison the Chair of Special Olympics Central Coast was happy to announce that they have ten (10) athletes from the Central Coast selected to participate in the National Games that will be held in Melbourne in October this year (2026).
I also caught up with Leanne Langthorne the Co-Ordinator of the NSW Special Olympics Basketball for athletes with an intellectual disability or autism.&nbsp; She organises four competitions throughout the year.&nbsp; Athletes come from all over NSW and the ACT.&nbsp;
There were 172 athletes competing at the basketball tournament.&nbsp; The youngest player was 8 and the eldest was 62 years of age.&nbsp; Leanne said &ldquo;the focus of the games is on what the athlete can do and making sure they are included and can play in a team atmosphere.&rdquo;&nbsp;
It was my pleasure to attend this very inclusive and friendly event and provide a platform for members of the special olympics community to have their voices heard in this podcast.
Special thanks to Jennie Harrison and Leanne Langthorne for their assistance today and special thanks also to the athletes, parents and coaches who feature in today&rsquo;s episode of Central Coast Stories.&nbsp;
I hope you enjoyed today&rsquo;s episode.&nbsp; Please subscribe so you do not miss an episode and I would be very grateful if you would share this podcast as well.&nbsp; Please note Central Coast Stories will be taking a break for a couple of months while I shift gears and work on my other investigative podcast Talking PFAS, but please enjoy past episodes in the meantime.&nbsp; Thanks again for listening.
Produced by Kayleen Bell Journalist - CEO Sunrise Sound Productions - Podcasts include Central Coast Stories &amp; Talking PFAS <a href="mailto:sunrisesoundproductions@gmail.com">sunrisesoundproductions@gmail.com</a> (Spam or attempts to sell me things will not be replied to).
All information is copyright.&nbsp; This episode can be posted on a website&nbsp; or shared via social media in its entirety with attribution.&nbsp;
On 22 April 2026, NDIS Minister Mark Butler announced at the National Press Club that social and community participation budgets will be reduced by 30 per cent. The average participant budget in this category is expected to drop from around $31,000 to $26,000 over the next two years, returning to roughly 2023 spending levels. These changes will roll out progressively from 1 October 2026, applied under existing planning arrangements ahead of the introduction of a new framework planning model.
Link to National Press Club of Australia address
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJa-mt-uTk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VJa-mt-uTk</a>
Show Notes:
Central Coast Info From Jennie Harrison the Chair of Special Olympics Central Coast.&nbsp;
Central Coast training events are held each week in basketball, golf, tennis, swimming, bocce and ten pin bowling.&nbsp; Locations: Ten Pin Bowling - Bateau Bay &amp; Wyoming, Basketball - Niagara Park Stadium, Tennis &amp; Bocce - Ourimbah, Swimming - Gosford&nbsp;
Training is for athletes with an intellectual disability or with autism.&nbsp; Current athlete age ranges include athletes as young as nine years old up to athletes in their sixties.
Weekly fees are usually about $10.00 per week and $200 initial joining fee to join Special Olympics Australia which covers the athletes insurances.
Regular newsletters are sent out and there is a private Facebook page you can request to join.
Extra Information on Special Olympics:
Special Olympics Central Coast:
<a href="https://www.specialolympics.com.au/find-a-sport-near-me/nsw/central-coast">https://www.specialolympics.com.au/find-a-sport-near-me/nsw/central-coast</a>
<a href="mailto:centralcoast.secretary@specialolympics.com.au">centralcoast.secretary@specialolympics.com.au</a>
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re proud to be part of the Special Olympics Australia community which brings sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability/autism. Our shared vision is an inclusive Australia where people with intellectual disability/autism live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.&rdquo;
Special Olympics Australia: 
<a href="https://www.specialolympics.com.au/about/celebrating-50-years">https://www.specialolympics.com.au/about/celebrating-50-years</a>
&ldquo;In 2026 Special Olympics in Australia will celebrate 50 years of breaking barriers, changing perceptions and creating communities where every athlete belongs.
&lsquo;Celebrating 50 Years of Inclusion: The Next 50 Starts Here&rsquo; honours the people who have shaped this movement and the impact inclusion has had on lives across the country.
For five decades our athletes have shown what is possible when people believe in their potential. Families have found connection and support. Coaches and volunteers have opened doors to opportunity. Local communities have grown stronger through the power of sport. These stories are the heart of Special Olympics in Australia.&rdquo;
Opportunity to Support this Community and Volunteer:
&ldquo;Special Olympics Australia (SOA) is seeking committed, skilled and values driven volunteers to join Team Australia for the 2027 Special Olympics World Games. These roles are critical to ensuring our athletes are supported, safe and empowered to perform at their personal best on the world stage.&rdquo;
Special Olympics National Games Australia:
<a href="https://include.specialolympics.com.au/event/national-games-26/about-the-games">https://include.specialolympics.com.au/event/national-games-26/about-the-games</a>
&ldquo;From October 19-23, athletes from every corner of the country will come together in Melbourne, competing across 12 sports at the iconic Albert Park sporting precinct.&nbsp;&nbsp;
Melbourne&rsquo;s Albert Park sporting precinct will host thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers, and supporters in a week-long celebration of ability, empowerment and unity. This National Games marks 50 years of Special Olympics in Australia and showcases the strength of community through sport.&nbsp;
The 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games will be a celebration of courage, connection, and community, shining a light on the power of inclusion.&rdquo;
Special Olympics World Summer Games 2027:
<a href="https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sport-and-competition/world-games">https://www.specialolympics.org/what-we-do/sport-and-competition/world-games</a>
16 &ndash; 25 October 2027
&ldquo;Santiago, Chile will host the 2027 Special Olympics World Games, marking the first time in the organization&rsquo;s 55-year history that a World Games will take place in the Southern Hemisphere.&rdquo;

A podcast sharing the stories of local people who live on the Central Coast.  I believe every person has many stories to tell if they are given the time to talk and I find all people interesting.  This podcast may feature famous people but the main guests will be every day people who live on the Central Coast.
By Journalist, Host, & Producer Kayleen Bell