A group of Illawarra athletes are set for the experience of a lifetime when they jet off to Abu Dhabi for the Special Olympics World Summer Games.
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The event, held once every four years, is among the biggest sporting events in the world and will see more than 7000 athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in 24 sports from March 14 to 21.
The Illawarra will be represented by basketballers Luke Huska and Koby Banks and ten-pin bowlers Madison Sims and Grant Francis.
Francis said he is looking forward to the opportunity to represent his country.
"I'm really happy to be going to Abu Dhabi for the World Games to hopefully strive for gold," Francis said.
"I don't know much about the competition yet, but I know it's going to be tough over there. I'm hoping I can take my game to the next level."
Experienced Illawarra Special Olympics basketball coach Leanne Seclomb was selected to coach the men's team at the Games and she's looking forward to watching Huska and Banks grow throughout the competition.
Seclomb said the Special Olympics provide the athletes with the opportunity to represent their country and form new friendships in a welcoming environment.
"Special Olympics allows athletes to step up and grow and compete," Seclomb said. "But it also provides that social aspect and allows them to overcome any obstacles to achieve the unthinkable.
"At every single competition they create a new family, they grow in confidence and they learn something new, which they can take back to their job."