YOU would be hard-pressed to find a bunch of volunteers more excited about the 2014 Lake Macquarie International Children’s Games than the Hurleys.
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The Teralba family has been volunteers with Special Olympics Australia for 25 years.
It all started when Wayne, who was born with an intellectual disability, become involved in sport.
He competed in athletics and basketball before he settled on ten pin bowling.
But he also volunteers.
Wayne was an ambassador for the 2013 Special Olympics Asia Pacific Games.
‘‘That was an experience and a half,’’ he said.
‘‘It was so gratifying.’’
Mr Hurley’s parents, Phil and Jean, have volunteered at almost every Special Olympics event – even those held interstate.
In 1988, they ushered athletes at the inaugural Summer Games in Tasmania.
Next month, the Hurleys will be part of another first when the International Children’s Games come to Lake Macquarie.
It is the first time the Games will be held in the southern hemisphere.
‘‘You can never have another first again, so
we’re really excited,’’ Phil said.
‘‘As soon as we saw the ad [calling for volunteers] we applied.’’
The trio will help co-ordinate the Games opening ceremony on December 7 at Speers Point Park.
When the Games kick off, Jean will be at the BMX track, while Phil and Wayne keep watch at the Speers Point Football Facility.