‘‘I feel pumped and ready,’’ she said.
‘‘I’m so excited – my friends and family will be coming to watch me so I’ll have my own cheer squad.’’
More than 250 athletes between the ages of eight and 15 arrived yesterday at the athletes’ village at Newcastle University.
The quadrennial Junior National Games are organised by Special Olympics Australia to enable people with an intellectual disability to participate in sporting competition, regardless of skill level or ability.
Claudia has a mild intellectual disability called Williams syndrome.
Her mother Leanne found the Special Olympics after searching for an initiative that her sports-loving daughter could participate in throughout her teenage years.
‘‘The Special Olympics combined a love of sport and making new friendships with people who are walking similar paths in their lives,’’ Mrs Jackson said.
The cheery 15-year-old from Lorn trains with other Special Olympics basketballers every week and competes in four tournaments each year.
Her performance in the tournaments led to her selection in the NSW team.
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