Cisco Australia teams with Cricket New South Wales and Penrith Panthers to support the Special Olympics in Western Sydne …

The Special Olympics is an organisation that strives to create a better world, using the power of sport to foster the inclusion of all people, especially those living with an intellectual disability. Cisco is proud to have partnered with this organisation recently to organise the NSW Special Olympics Community Disability Sports Day.

The event was held last month at Centrebet Stadium – home of the National Rugby League’s Penrith Panthers – and saw 65 intellectually disabled people from Sydney’s West participate. Arriving through the same tunnel that the Penrith Panthers run out of at the start of each game, the participants had the opportunity to play a range of sports and activities, honing their skills in rugby league, cricket, football, bocce and some modified Olympic events such as javelin and discus.

Of the 65 athletes who attended, 90% had never experienced the Special Olympics before. These athletes are now able to take advantage of Special Olympics programs that offer regular sport, competition pathways, healthy lifestyle solutions and leadership opportunities.

The attendees were also treated to appearances from the Penrith Panthers themselves who mingled with the groups, giving advice and assistance. As well as the Penrith Panthers, staff from Cricket NSW and Big Bash team Sydney Thunder were also helping out.

Of course, the glue that held the whole event together was the army of volunteers and Cisco sent 52 of its staff to help ensure the day ran smoothly, staffing the BBQ and running the events. We are proud to have partnered with an organisation like Special Olympics and want to extend a big thank you to both Cricket NSW and the Penrith Panthers for their enthusiasm and support on the day.