Stacey Parker

At 19 years’ old, Special Olympics Te Awamutu’s Stacey Parker is the youngest athlete to be selected into the 2015 Athlete Leadership Programme.

She joined Special Olympics in 2010 and has competed at regional events throughout the North Island and at the 2013 National Summer Games in Dunedin (an experience she loved though admits “it was cold”).

Born and bred in Te Awamutu Stacey took part in Special Olympics New Zealand’s schools programme while at Te Awamutu College and attended events in aquatics, athletics, football, and tenpin bowling.
“I had a chance to try out different sports and meet other students. It gave me a taste of Special Olympics. I then joined the Club and became an actual member of Special Olympics New Zealand. I now focus on swimming and train twice a week, once with the team, and once with a private lesson with [Special Olympics Te Awamutu’s Coordinator] Shelley Blair,” she says.
“As a Global Messenger I’m looking forward to going into the community and introducing Special Olympics New Zealand to people who have no knowledge about it,” she says.
Outside of sport, Stacey volunteers at Mini Miracles Educare and Pak ’n’ Save, and attends a weekly literacy and numeracy programme at Enrich+ in Hamilton.