Olympic water polo representatives Nathan Power, Matt Byrnes and Tim Putt, jumped back in the pool this week to take part in the Special Olympics Splash, a corporate swimming challenge to raise funds to support the grass roots programs of Special Olympics Australia, allowing young Australians with an intellectual disability to participate in regular sport. The Australian water polo players were also joined by triple Olympic Games swimming representative Mitch Larkin.
The Splash is the brainchild of Australian Dual Olympic representative in the Decathlon, Peter Hadfield, and was held at the Andrew Boy Charlton Pool in Sydney last Friday night.
Hadfield said “this year we raised over $35,000 thanks to the generosity of the participating corporate teams and the support of our Olympic aquatic champions.
“This is the tenth year we have conducted the Splash, following a two-year gap during Covid, and total funds raised by the Splash over its ten years are around $700,000, which is an amazing result”, said Hadfield.
The event highlight of the Splash is always the match race relay between the Olympians and a team of Special Olympics swimmers. The Special Olympians have maintained an unbeaten record, which they were delighted to maintain this year.
“Watching the Special Olympians compete in this match race, with the support of the Olympians, is particularly inspirational and uplifting. It really does bring a smile to your face”, said Hadfield.
