With their strongest representation in tenpin bowling, it came as little surprise they claimed most of their gold medals in that division.

Overall, Mid North Coast Special Olympics Committee vice-chairman Ralph Mueller said the team registered nine gold, six silver and seven bronze medals.

“There were only a number of pins that separated any of the divisions,” he said.

“A couple of them only had one pin that was the difference between first and second – it was really tight.”

Mueller said their medal tally had exceeded expectations.

“We definitely went a lot better than we did four years ago and overall we exceeded expectations,” he said.

“We also finished third in golf and fourth in basketball and there was a big improvement across the board.

“There were also a lot of personal bests, particularly in the bowling.”

Mueller said the Special Olympics gave the teams an opportunity to showcase their skills in a number of different sports.

“Instead of being tagged with a disability they are people that do have skills,” he said.

“This is one avenue to showcase these same skills as able-bodied people where they can hold their own against anybody else.”