Hitting the hoop for the Special Olympics

LOCAL basketball player Tameka Strickland is preparing to take part in the Special Olympics Australian National Games after bringing home gold in the Victorian event last month.

The national games are set to take place in Launceston from Friday, 7 October until Friday, 21 October, and Tameka will represent Ballarat out of list of 36 Victorian players.

Strickland is hoping to raise $3200 to get to Apple Isle, and her mother, Nicole Strickland, said they are asking for the funds however they can.

“That money will be absolutely everything from the flights over there to accommodation. We’re going to get there for her one way or another but every little bit helps,” Nicole said.

“I’m very proud of her and it’s great to see how much she gets out of it. She obviously enjoys it a lot.”

Strickland has been playing basketball since she was 12 and has been a part of the Special Olympics since she was 16, having previously played with the Ballarat Celtic Tigers.

Alongside receiving her first gold medal at the Victorian State Games, Strickland also lit the cauldron for the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s opening ceremony for the event.

Listed as a grade C player in the Special Olympics, Strickland was diagnosed with an intellectual disability and said playing basketball has provided a way for her to come out of her shell.

“My main goal with basketball isn’t to win medals, it’s to make friends. I get very anxious with new faces so it’s a good social outlet to meet people,” she said.

“It’s just fun. I get to make new basketball mates, and I’ve always gravitated more towards it than any other sport.

“I’m looking forward to going to Tassie because I’ve never been there before let alone on a plane. It’s all so exciting.”

To donate visit bit.ly/3ld7DDm.