b'Winning is more than finishing firstThis photo of Richard (Richie)Bruce was taken at a swimming medal presentation at the 2017Special Olympics makes Aotearoa National Summer Games. better for all of usRichie won hisaward for participation as he was disqualified. The award allows him to rememberEvery day, Special Olympics New Zealand empowers athletes to shatter his triumph and pride long after the excitement stereotypes and exceed their personal bests on the playing field and in life. of the day. At Special Olympics, we award ribbons or medals But, there are 95,000 people in New Zealand to every competitor because every milestonewho are unable to access our services. TheyreIve finally found people whom I can relate matters. still waiting for their opportunity to fulfil theirto and be myself without judgment.Richie has been involved with Special Olympics potential.Special Olympics is like one big family, we for over 20 years. He trains weekly with the Our goal is to reach out and enrich the lives ofsupport and encourage each other in what Special Olympics Wellington swim team and hisevery one of themand their whnau as well. we do, we bring each other up when wefavourite strokes are freestyle and backstroke.fall down.Richie works at Freyberg Pool and the People who cant join in are often left isolated and marginalised, with considerably lessgrace payne-athlete Wellington Recreation Centre in Kilbirnie, where his job is to make the areas look spic and span. opportunity to lead fulfilling lives. Special Olympics New Zealand offers a way for all of Its not often that someone with an intellectualAotearoa to lift its game.disability has their achievements celebrated and Richies smile shows how much it means. The joyis contagious!'