Bay of Plenty skier Kelly Nathan claimed two bronze medals at the Special Olympics National Winter Games in Wanaka this week.

The Special Olympics National Winter Games are the four-yearly pinnacle event for athletes with an intellectual disability competing in skiing and snowboarding events, and this year was the ninth edition since the first national competition was held back in 1992.

Nathan competed in the Alpine Intermediate Skiing section and managed to finish third in both the slalom and giant slalom races in Division 4.

The Tauranga skier recorded a time of 2min 10.93 sec over two runs in his slalom behind Conla Benham from Otago and Nick Fyfe from Wellington.

Both skiers were again too fast for Nathan on the giant slalom, where he finished in 1min 46.57, but only missed out on silver by the smallest margin.

Special Olympics Chief Executive Fran Scholey says the National Winter Games has been an overwhelming success with the weather playing its part and all races completed in the first three days.

That left the athletes with a stunning reserve day on Friday to get some more skiing in and get ready for closing disco.

“And for most of them that is the highlight of the whole event,” says Scholey, adding that the National Winter Games are about competing, but also about making new friends.

“We are incredibly proud at how brave you have been in the attempt and the sportsmanship you have showed to each other."

The athletes competing in Wanaka have now put their hands up selected for the next World Winter Games which will be held in Turin in 2025. 

“The National Winter games has been a marvellous opportunity for our inspiring athletes to showcase their skills and abilities, prior to Winter World Game selection,” says Scholey who thanks the athletes’ families, coaches, volunteers, clubs and supporters for their contributions in ensuring the athletes were well placed to succeed.

“We extend our gratitude to our funders, the team at Cardrona, the Special Olympics Regional Coordinators and Special Olympics NZ staff for their contributions in making the last few days so successful.”

National Winter Games are made possible thanks to the funding agencies supporting Special Olympics Aotearoa New Zealand: Central Lakes Trust, Air Rescue and Community Services, TAB and Grassroots Trust Central.