Turramurra local, Trent Jones, has qualified to represent Australia in the Special Olympics Winter Sports Games in Turin, Italy, for skiing.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games are to be held from the 8th to the 16th of March, 2025.
Trent, now 52, has been skiing since he was ten years of age. He has regularly been on the snow at Perisher, Thredbo, and across the globe in Switzerland, North America, and New Zealand. While in New Zealand, Trent and his family noticed there was a Special Olympics team, and when they were home in Sydney, began inquiring.
Trent belongs to the organisation Special Olympics Sydney Upper North Shore. In June at Mt Buller in Victoria, Trent received a Silver Medal and after going to the alpine town of Jindabyne, was told he had been selected to represent the nation.
‘He’s gradually just got better and better,’ says Trent’s mother, Jill Jones. ‘We didn’t realise he’d qualified… we’re absolutely bowled over.’
Finishing his schooling at Clarke Road School, Trent has been an avid skier and snowboard enthusiast alongside his employment at disability service provider Aruma.
For 30 years, Trent has worked as a Supported Employee as part of the Facilities Services team.
‘When I heard he was selected to represent Australia, I thought it was really amazing,’ says Jono Goonan, Trent’s former boss and Aruma’s Current Facilities Services Leader. ‘I am really excited for him and it’s an awesome achievement.’
To get to Turin, Italy, for the Games, Trent and his family have started a fundraiser with a goal of $14,000. The proceeds will cover some of the costs associated with his voyage to represent Australia.
For more information and to donate, visit include.specialolympics.com.au/fundraisers/trentjones/wwg25
