Brett Petersons is one step closer to competing in the Special Olympics for tenpin bowling, after bringing home gold and bronze medals at the State Championships this year.
Brett Petersons has Autism, ADHD, Epilepsy and Intellectual Disability, yet he recently competed in the State Games for tenpin bowling, bringing home gold in doubles and bronze in singles.
He was been selected by the Nationals Committee to represent Queensland at the Special Olympics Nationals in Melbourne this October.
Mr Petersons said he has been playing tenpin bowling for fun on and off most of his life.
“All this excitement is making me feel excited, happy and nervous all at the same time as this is my first time on a national stage,” he said.
“I love tenpin bowling because it’s a mind game, the more you – stop, breathe, relax and bowl – along with proper posture all makes up for what you have to do in the game.”
“I also love it because you’re always growing in the sport alongside teammates, and I always walk away proud of myself because I got up onto the runway and gave it my best.”
Mr Petersons said he has been part of Special Olympics Australia for four years and in that time, he had become an Athlete Leader, becoming a voice for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
“I participate in extracurricular activities to do with Athlete Leadership at club level but also Queensland level helping advertise the range of sports Special Olympics and Queensland offer,” he said.
Mr Petersons said he was currently fundraising for the Special Olympics Nationals.
“I have a personal goal of $4,900 to get me to Special Olympics Nationals in Melbourne at Wyn City for tenpin bowling and am fundraising so I can represent Queensland,” he said.
“My preparation to get me there involves fundraisers including raffles, barbecues, a gala dinner and also an online fundraiser.”
Mr Petersons said when it cames to the competition, he was ready to give it his all.
“My highest in professional tenpin bowling is 184 in practice games,” he said.
“I’m training myself to keep my head in the game by practicing with my support workers when I have free time.”
Mr Petersons is is a National Disability Insurance Scheme participant, supported by Horizon Community Services to achieve his athletic goals.
To support Brett Petersons’ fundraiser visit asf.org.au/campaigns/brett-petersons?modalOpen=false
