6 September 2024, Issue 1226
A special debut The image says it all. Tauranga Special School student Laura Hollands just beams during an indoor bowls practice with teacher Sara Thorburn and coach Kevin Garratt. The 11-year-old, who was born with an intellectual disability, severe non-verbal autism
and cerebral visual impairment, is always keen to give everything a go. “If someone else is doing something, she wants to do it too,” says Laura’s mum Michelle Hollands. And at this year’s AIMS Games – from September 7-13 – she will get her chance
to shine by competing in indoor bowls and cross-country events in the athletes with disabilities division, as will 14 fellow Tauranga Special School students in their respective sports. This is because this year is the first time Tauranga Special School is represented in
the intermediate-aged sporting tournament. “It is really cool she gets the chance to be involved,” says Michelle. Read more about Laura’s passion for sport and her school’s involvement in the 2024 AIMS Games on pages 8-9. Photo: Alan Gibson/Gibson Images.