Australia hosts first Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games

Australia is hosting the first ever Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games.

Team Australia at the inaugural Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games.

The first ever Special Olympics Asia-Pacific Games will kick off in Australia at the weekend.

2500 athletes from more than 30 countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region are participating in the week-long happening.

Newcastle has been selected as the host city, with sporting events to be held at venues across the New South Wales Newcastle-Hunter area.

The Games' Project Director Chris Heverin told Elza Zandi the aim is to promote participation in sport by people with an intellectual disability.

(Click on the audio tab above to hear the full interview)