Seasoned athlete ready to take on summer games

Apr 11, 2025, 12:14 PM Sport

Andrew-Oswin_Gold-medal — *Andrew Oswin with his shotput gold medal at the 2011 World Summer Games.* *Penny Evans/SONZ*

Andrew Oswin will be competing in athletics at this year's Special Olympics National Summer Games.

The gold medalist who has Down Syndrome, first began competing in 2003 and is currently the Chairperson of the Special Olympics Canterbury Athletes Committee, as well as the Athlete Representative for the Special Olympics Canterbury's Trust Board.

Oswin has competed in a variety of games from regional through to international level.

“This year will be my fifth National Summer Games that will be held here in my hometown in Christchurch.

“Through my time it has been a great experience for me. I have enjoyed competing in sports, competition, having a chance to compete in local ribbon days, regional and national games, and also a chance to compete in the World Summer Games representing New Zealand.

"This has been a great experience for me.”

relay-team-gold_special-olympics — *The NZ mens relay team (Andrew Oswin pictured second to left), at the 2011 World Summer Games.* *Penny Evans/SONZ*

Oswin struck gold in the 2011 World Summer Games in Athens, coming first in the men's 4kg shot put and 4x100m relay. The year was unforgettable for him.

“My highlight really has been going to the World Summer Games because that was my goal that I really wanted to achieve - it had been a dream for me and for anyone else who has been to one.

“Back in 2011 I won two different trophies. I won one for Athlete of the Year for the Special Olympics Canterbury Athlete of the Year for athletics.

"I also won the Special Olympics Canterbury Overall Athlete of the Year.”

He has found great success on home soil as well. Oswin competed in the last summer games held in Christchurch, the 2005 National and Asia Pacific Invitational Games. This was a significant event as it was the largest Special Olympics games hosted by Special Olympics NZ in history. He walked away with a silver medal in shot put and several ribbons.

“Lots of spectators were there, cheering on everyone.

"And there were so many athletes, which I have made lots of friendships with them along the way.”

andrew-friends_special-olympics — *Andrew Oswin making friends through the Specia Olympics.* *H.F.Mitchell/Canterbury Special Olympics*

Oswin is excited to once again be competing in his hometown and is looking forward to what this year’s games will bring.

“I expect a lot of athletes turning up to this year's National Summer Games, seeing some lovely coaches, volunteers, and lots of athletes coming from all over New Zealand.”