The games will see more than 200 young athletes with an intellectual disability, aged eight to 15, come together on the Gold Coast.

There they will compete across four sports at the fourth Junior National Games.

The sports they will participate in are athletics, basketball, football and swimming, which will all be held at Runaway Bay Sport and Recreation Centre.

Nugent is no stranger to competing or coaching. Nugent was appointed the head Australian athletics coach for the Special Olympics World Games in 2015.

Back then, he held a fundraiser to aid his athletes trip overseas, and it’s a case of déjà-vu as he looks to raise money once again.

“Apart of my duties as head coach, I will be raising funds to assist these junior athletes get to the games,” he said.

“Each athlete has to pay $1000 to be apart of the team and be able to compete at the games. I want to hold a fundraiser night but I need people to donate items that I can use as raffle items or auction items.”

One item has already been donated. Music icon Troy Cassar-Daley has come on board and donated a brand new signed guitar.

“Troy has always supported my fundraiser efforts and he did not hesitate to once again come on board,” Nugent said.

“But I need so many more items so I am hopeful that people will see this as a very worth while cause and donat. A big thanks also to Dan and Lauren from the Bonny Hills Beach Hotel who have donated the hotel for the fundraising night.”

A date for the fundraiser, has been set for May 27, starting at 6:30pm.

Nugent said he loves supporting these athletes simply because they are inspiring.

“Their smiles and just their drive to be apart of the sporting community is very inspiring,” he said.

“To be selected as the head athletics coach is a real honour and I am very passionate about supporting these amazing athletes as they strive to reach their sporting dreams and goals.

“When you see an athlete achieve their goals and the smile on each and every athletes face makes it all worth while. These games mean the world to them.

“The athletes can expect strong competition but most of all they can expect to be apart of an amazing event which will give them life long memories, and a chance to branch out and meet new lifelong friends.

To help Rod and the athletes, you can call him on 0412 824 024.