2007 Japan
The 7th International Abilympics returned to its nation of birth stronger than ever in the city of Shizuoka, being held concurrently with the 39th WorldSkills Competition. With 3,800 participants (910 for the IA) from over 60 countries and 290,000 visitors attending this was undoubtedly a massive success. The organizing committee provided a world class environment for the events and energized many volunteers to assist. Especially through their 'One School One Country' cultural exchange experience where each attending country/region was supported by a local school.
The competitors took away unforgettable memories of showcasing their professional skills on the world stage and the friendliness of Shizuoka's local volunteers.
2003 India
2000 Czech Republic
The Australian Abilympics team outside the Vystaviste building in Prague.
1995 Australia
Holding the 4th International Abilympics in Perth, Western Australia was both a coup and a challenge for Abilympics WA. With the tender process going back several years and pursuing government commitments to help, despite a change of state leadership, the Burswood Superdome and Burswood Conference Centre finally saw the competition begin.
With a five day program (under the banner of "A World working together") to keep on track and the chance to field a large team of local competitors our team of Board Members and volunteers learnt of the challenges of organizing accommodation and transport to suit the needs of all the competitors.
The focus of the week was of course the Abilympics Competition itself but also on the program was the Opening Ceremony at the Entertainment Centre, a three day conference with Keynote Speakers from Australia, South East Asia, USA, Indonesia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Information displays were on show and time was found to take the competitors and their assistants on Recreational events such as the Great Aussie Barbecue.
The hard work and preparations paid off with Australia achieving second place in the medal tally. All too soon the Closing Ceremony began, bringing an end to a friendly Australian International Abilympics.
1991 Hong Kong
More than 1.500 people from eighty countries attended the Abilympics Games in Hong Kong in 1991. This was the largest Abilympics team ever to represent Australia.
A memorable event during the Games was the attempt to break the Guinness Book Dragon Dancing World Record. At 3,000 feet long the successful Dragon Dance drew great attention.
1985 Colombia
1981 Japan
1st National Abilympics held in South Australia 2003
Charles competing in Electronic Assembly at the 1st National Abilympics in Adelaide 2003. Charles won a gold medal.
Lorraine Mc Coulough-Fry competed in Basic Office Administration. Lorraine won a silver medal in this event.