Lake Cathie lad Bennett Powell can officially call himself an Olympian. The 18-year-old is off to Adelaide as part of the NSW Special Olympics team to take on the best in Australia at the 2010 National Special Olympic Games.

The dedicated athlete was picked to represent NSW in the 100m and 200m sprint and long jump. Proud dad Steve said the 100m is Bennett’s choice event.

“Since he started representing at school levels he hasn’t missed coming home with a medal in the 100m for the last 12 years,” Mr Powell said.

“He was picked as a seven-year-old in the school representative side for athletics at Crescent Head Public School. Then he went on to zone, district and state levels. And he’s competed at these levels ever since.”

Bennett is also a former student of North Haven Public School, St Pauls College and attends Newmann College in Port Macquarie.

Steve said it’s not just the thrill of running that keeps Bennett focussed on athletics.

“He loves performing and loves the competition. And he enjoys the friendships he’s made out of it. He’s been able to make friends with people with different kinds of disabilities.”

Bennett’s own condition, cerebral palsy, has not held him back. He trains three days a week after school: two days of weight training and a day of running with coach, mentor, and former Paralympian Rod Nugent.

Steve said he and Bennett’s mother Patricia are extremely proud of their son’s achievements and look forward to seeing him on the national sporting stage.

To help him on his way the team and members of the Lake Cathie Bowling and Recreation Club are conducting various raffles and fundraisers, culminating in a charity bowls day on Sunday November 29. Cost is $12 per head which includes a game of bowls, sausage sizzle, games, music and lots of fun. The day begins at 10am. Bowlers and non-bowlers are welcome (just wear flat-soled shoes or thongs). Dress is mufti.

All proceeds from the event will go towards Bennett’s trip to Adelaide.

“We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the Lake Cathie community, particularly the staff and members of the Lake Cathie Bowling and Recreation Club,” Steve said.

“Everyone is pitching in to help. We are overwhelmed by what people are doing for him to get to Adelaide.”