An inclusive program where athletes with an intellectual disability or autism can follow their sporting dreams: this is what the Special Olympics is all about. 

And for the past decade, Newington’s Lindfield Preparatory School K–6 campus has been helping Special Olympics Australia make dreams come true through its biggest annual Service Learning Program fundraising event: the Mini Olympics.   

First held in 2015, the Mini Olympics was the brainchild of Lindfield’s Parents & Friends (P&F) Association. Each year since, our Lindfield Social & Fundraising Committee and P&F have hosted Special Olympics Australia athletes and representatives for a day filled with fun activities that the entire school can enjoy.  

Friday’s highly anticipated Mini Olympics was a double celebration, with the opening of the repurposed basketball court to also allow netball games, ushering in co-education next year.  

Lindfield students from Years K–6 again had an absolute blast as they rotate around multiple sporting challenges, guided by Special Olympics athletes, to try their hand at actual Olympic events. Meanwhile, some of the Year 6 students went head-to-head with the athletes in a basketball match on the newly resurfaced court before the College’s fundraising efforts were revealed and a cheque presented to Special Olympics Australia. 

Mr Pascal Czerwenka, Associate Principal of Lindfield Preparatory School K–6, says this year’s double occasion of the Mini Olympics and the new look basketball court to allow netball play as well, is a highlight on the campus calendar. 

‘This is a fantastic event that inspires and motivates our students,’ he says. 

‘The Mini Olympics models the importance of inclusion and enables a deeper understanding of the importance of giving.  

‘Our students have been busily performing service tasks, like helping their elderly neighbours or selling items they’ve made themselves, to raise funds that we are presenting to Special Olympics Australia. 

‘We also have previous Lindfield students, who have now graduated to the Stanmore Senior campus, returning to support our Mini Olympics. It’s lovely to see that enduring spirit of service and sense of connection to this event.’ 

Since the Mini Olympics first began, Lindfield Prep has raised approximately $125,000 to assist athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism opportunities to play sports and participate in competitions.  

Juliet Liddy, a basketball player, who won a bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 2023, says her next goal is to be selected for the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne next year. 

‘I felt very excited when I was selected for the Special Olympics Summer World Games in Berlin, and was very happy to represent Australia,’ Juliet says.  

‘One of the best memories I have was meeting new people from all around the world!’ 

Juliet has also attended Lindfield’s Mini Olympics in the past and says she always looks forward to participating. 

‘I love seeing the younger students and playing with them,’ she says.  

This year at the conclusion of the Mini Olympics, the new look court was unveiled with a cutting of the ribbon and memorial plaque. The primary basketball court has been resurfaced with additional handball squares for the students to use. They will now also be able to play netball during PE lessons with the addition of netball rings on the court. 

Thanks go to Lindfield P&F and all Lindfield families for supporting this initiative and for their generous donation towards our new court. 

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For more information about Special Olympics Australia and their mission, you can visit their website.

To read more about our Lindfield Preparatory School K–6, click here.