Shirley Milgate has volunteered with Special Olympics Echuca for 27 years.
Photo by
Louie Cina
Echuca local Shirley Milgate has made history, becoming the first Australian awarded the title of Special Olympics World Games Technical Delegate Emeritus by Special Olympics International.
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The lifetime designation recognises outstanding service to the Special Olympics movement.
To be eligible for the title, volunteers must have served as technical delegates in an exemplary manner at four Special Olympics World Games events.
Technical delegates are representatives of SOI, responsible for advising and ensuring that the operating committee of the games applies and interprets rules and modifications to create safe, quality sporting environments.
Special Olympics director of sporting competition management Venisha Bowler said the honorary position was the highest distinction the organisation could bestow on technical delegates.
“Through their leadership, we have been able to establish high standards at Special Olympics World Games,“ Ms Bowler said.
“It will be important for us to continue to build on her legacy.”
Melissa Whelan, Christian Leris, Ashley Stone, Jaymes Whelan, Ashley Lamming, Sophie Ryan, and Kelly McIntosh with coach Shirley Milgate after the 2025 Special Olympics State Games in Bendigo.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
Ms Milgate, who has been a technical delegate at and in the lead up to world games four times, was honoured by the recognition.
“It’s pretty special,” she said.
“I was overwhelmed when I received the letter to say I’d been awarded [the title].”
A swimming coach at the Special Olympics Echuca club, Ms Milgate has spent 27 years volunteering to help people with intellectual disabilities and autism get involved in sports.
She said that seeing the athletes she worked with progress, achieve their goals and have fun was what drove her to continue being involved.
“It just opens up your eyes to what can be achieved,” Ms Milgate said.
“Volunteering is really special.”
Jim Leighton from Special Olympics Australia, Ms Milgate’s assistant technical director for swimming competitions at the Australian National Games, said her reputation preceded her.
‘’For Shirley, it’s all about the athletes,“ Mr Leighton said.
“She is thoughtful, incredible experienced, and highly respected.”
“If anyone deserves this recognition, it is Shirley.”
Those who’ve worked with Shirley say the title is richly deserved.
Photo by
Louie Cina
Ms Milgate has held various positions in addition to her roles at the world games, including serving as a technical delegate at the Australian, Middle Eastern and North African, German, and Latin American national games.
She also worked with the Australian swim team as head coach and assistant head coach, respectively, at world games in China and Ireland.
“The opportunities are there for athletes (and volunteers) to travel the world, to be part of the Special Olympics movement,” Ms Milgate said.
“Coming from a little town (like) Echuca, travelling has been pretty outstanding.”
Highlights of her travels include seeing athletes from around the world swim at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai and meeting and working with other volunteers at world games.
Shirley’s CV is too long to list, travelling the world while helping people with intellectual disabilities and autism get involved in sport.
She said she hoped her status as the first Australian awarded the title would inspire others living regionally to get involved with the Special Olympics, particularly with the Australian national games coming up in October.
“We’re really looking for more volunteers, especially from our local club, Echuca,” said Ms Milgate.
Those interested can find out more at www.specialolympics.com.au/participate/volunteers
