From an athlete to an Olympian
Twenty-eight-year-old Pratima Patel has a flair for sports since her childhood; her hard work and determination has earned her a space at the Special Olympics World Games (SOWSG) in Los Angeles this year where she will be competing in Equestrian. Indian Weekender spoke to the young athlete and her mother, Jamna Patel.
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Pratima Patel. I am 28 years old, and I was born on Christmas. I work at Spencer in Byron Hotel once a week. I like music, dancing and watching DVDs. (Jamna Patel takes the conversation forward). My daughter was born with Down syndrome but she has been blessed with a strong talent in sports.
Where has she completed her education from?
Pratima attended a unit at Red Beach Primary School after turning 6, later she attended Birkdale Intermediate where she completed mainstream education.
She completed her secondary school education at Takapuna Grammar School after which she did a course in Employment and Community Skills at Unitec.
What about her interest in sports?
As a child, she was always interested in sports. She plays basketball, swims and also skis.
She was selected as a non-travelling reserve for the Special Olympic World Winter ?Games in 2013.
In the past she has played hockey and football at ?school level.
Tell us about ‘Equestrian’?
Pratima was introduced to horse riding at Primary School through Riding for the Disabled. She instantly took a liking to it.
The TV series Saddle Club became her favourite show to watch. She would go on horse treks whenever she could.
She began riding with Special Olympics in 2009 and currently rides for her club North Harbour Special Olympics.
It was exciting for her to be selected for the Special Olympic Summer World Games in a sport she has a great love for.
How long has she been riding independently?
Pratima got the necessary training from North Harbour Special Olympic and it has been close to four years now since she has been riding without any assistance.
Would you put some light on her achievements so far?
For a special child, sports is not just about sports achievement, it is about learning to live independently and social competence—their ability to interact with others well, follow instruction and simply take care of themselves.
How does the selection to the Special Olympics take place?
The athletes have to perform at Regional Games and after getting the medal, they play the National-Games.
Pratima won in 2013 and qualified for the World Games. Even after qualifying, the player has to be nominated to go for Olympics or World Championships. She was nominated by the Special Olympics North Harbour and now she will compete in Los Angeles this month end.
What about her training and fitness?
She has been regular with her trainings for the Special Olympics for months. She used to go for practice once a month earlier, and with the World Games approaching, she has been practicing twice every month at the North Harbour Special Olympics. She goes for basketball and swimming regularly. In addition to this, she attends the gym at least once a week and walks most mornings.
How has been the support from the community?
It has been overwhelming. They have come forward on their own and helped us raise funds for her training. We are grateful for their contributions (both in time and funds raised), and their warm wishes for Pratima.
Are you going with her to the games?
Pratima will fly to Los Angeles with the New Zealand Special Olympics team on Thursday, July 16, and I will be joining her soon after to cheer and render ?my support. I am very proud of Pratima, and thankful to Special Olympics New Zealand for nominating her and giving her this opportunity of a lifetime. I know she will ?do her best to make her ?supporters proud.
Twenty-eight-year-old Pratima Patel has a flair for sports since her childhood; her hard work and determination has earned her a space at the Special Olympics World Games (SOWSG) in Los Angeles this year where she will be competing in Equestrian. Indian Weekender spoke to the young athlete and her...
Twenty-eight-year-old Pratima Patel has a flair for sports since her childhood; her hard work and determination has earned her a space at the Special Olympics World Games (SOWSG) in Los Angeles this year where she will be competing in Equestrian. Indian Weekender spoke to the young athlete and her mother, Jamna Patel.
Tell us something about yourself
My name is Pratima Patel. I am 28 years old, and I was born on Christmas. I work at Spencer in Byron Hotel once a week. I like music, dancing and watching DVDs. (Jamna Patel takes the conversation forward). My daughter was born with Down syndrome but she has been blessed with a strong talent in sports.
Where has she completed her education from?
Pratima attended a unit at Red Beach Primary School after turning 6, later she attended Birkdale Intermediate where she completed mainstream education.
She completed her secondary school education at Takapuna Grammar School after which she did a course in Employment and Community Skills at Unitec.
What about her interest in sports?
As a child, she was always interested in sports. She plays basketball, swims and also skis.
She was selected as a non-travelling reserve for the Special Olympic World Winter ?Games in 2013.
In the past she has played hockey and football at ?school level.
Tell us about ‘Equestrian’?
Pratima was introduced to horse riding at Primary School through Riding for the Disabled. She instantly took a liking to it.
The TV series Saddle Club became her favourite show to watch. She would go on horse treks whenever she could.
She began riding with Special Olympics in 2009 and currently rides for her club North Harbour Special Olympics.
It was exciting for her to be selected for the Special Olympic Summer World Games in a sport she has a great love for.
How long has she been riding independently?
Pratima got the necessary training from North Harbour Special Olympic and it has been close to four years now since she has been riding without any assistance.
Would you put some light on her achievements so far?
For a special child, sports is not just about sports achievement, it is about learning to live independently and social competence—their ability to interact with others well, follow instruction and simply take care of themselves.
How does the selection to the Special Olympics take place?
The athletes have to perform at Regional Games and after getting the medal, they play the National-Games.
Pratima won in 2013 and qualified for the World Games. Even after qualifying, the player has to be nominated to go for Olympics or World Championships. She was nominated by the Special Olympics North Harbour and now she will compete in Los Angeles this month end.
What about her training and fitness?
She has been regular with her trainings for the Special Olympics for months. She used to go for practice once a month earlier, and with the World Games approaching, she has been practicing twice every month at the North Harbour Special Olympics. She goes for basketball and swimming regularly. In addition to this, she attends the gym at least once a week and walks most mornings.
How has been the support from the community?
It has been overwhelming. They have come forward on their own and helped us raise funds for her training. We are grateful for their contributions (both in time and funds raised), and their warm wishes for Pratima.
Are you going with her to the games?
Pratima will fly to Los Angeles with the New Zealand Special Olympics team on Thursday, July 16, and I will be joining her soon after to cheer and render ?my support. I am very proud of Pratima, and thankful to Special Olympics New Zealand for nominating her and giving her this opportunity of a lifetime. I know she will ?do her best to make her ?supporters proud.
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