Commendation - Sport and Recreation
Albert Green - Recipient of Commendation in the Sport and Recreation category
Nominated by Special Olympics ACT Region
Albert Green has lived in Canberra for the past 25 years. He became involved in Special Olympics through his love of sport, willingness to support individuals with a disability, and also because he wanted his youngest son David, who was born with an intellectual disability, to get active.
In 1998 Al began volunteering in basketball and established the Recreational Activities for people with Intellectual Disabilities (RAID) programme. In 2002 he went on to join the Special Olympics ACT Region (SOACTR) committee and later became vice-chairman. He expanded the RAID programme to include golf and bocce in 2004 and later, cricket.
Al has also been heavily involved in the social side of Special Olympics. He assists with the running of the monthly discos, helps organise various sports competitions, both state and national, and assists with various stalls and raffles.
He always encourages athletes to participate in all aspects of sport where possible and and provides them with training for both their sporting needs and life skills where needed.
He also volunteers for Legacy, dedicating his time assisting 14 war widows with general maintenance and gardening.