Matt Aitken - national recognition

1/4/2010

Matt Aitken (Year 13, 7th form) has been selected in Special Olympics New Zealand’s first athlete leadership programme.

The programme, launched in Wellington this week by the Prime Minister John Key, is designed to help athletes explore opportunities in new roles, such as serving on the board of directors or local organising committees. They could even be spokespersons, team captains, coaches or officials.

Matt Aitken

Ten athletes were selected for the global messenger programme, part of the athlete leadership programme, from the 25 applicants. The programme is in place in 67 countries.

‘‘I’m stoked to get the chance,’’ Matt said.

‘‘I’m excited about being given the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills as I travel around the country.’’

Matt faced a gruelling interview for 45 minutes from a knowledgeable panel before he was selected for the programme.

He impressed New Zealand Special Olympics chief executive Kathy Gibson.

‘‘We looked for a mix of skills in those we selected for the first year, and collectively we have an outstanding group of global messengers,’’ she said.

‘‘Matt is a dedicated athlete who has expanded his own range of interests and networks. He is already showing a maturity beyond his years.’’

The programme provides workshops and training for athletes to learn skills that allow them to speak for themselves and others with intellectual disability.

Matt is one of the best performed Special Olympic athletes in Otago and has won nine medals in national events. His best performance was at the national secondary schools athletics championships at Hamilton two years ago when he won five medals: three gold, a silver and a bronze.

He broke three records with his shot put (8.36m), discus (23.59m), and 100m (12.78sec). A year later, he set a record in the javelin (19.85m). At the New Zealand Special Olympics at Palmerston North last year, Matt was second in the 400m (1min 13.96sec) and third in the shot put (7.32m).