AFTER the thrill of having three Special Olympic athletes selected to represent NSW at the nationals in ten pin bowling October, one athlete has received an extra boost.

Each athlete has been trying to raise the $3300 needed in order to get them down to Melbourne in October.

But for Aidan Ellis, the stress has been lifted off his shoulders.

The Kollege of Knowledge Kommittee for Kids has put its hand up to support Aidan and help him get to nationals.

Special Olympics Southern Highlands will now put its fundraising efforts towards helping Kelsie Waters and Cherrie Ibister.

All three athletes attended a training camp with NSW teammates at Narra been on the weekend and Special Olympics Southern Highlands chairman Bruce Waters said they had a great time.

“To have three athletes nominated to go to nationals was a thrill to start with and to have Aidan supported is wonderful,” he said.

The training camp worked on preparing the athletes for the competition ahead and focussed on not just skills.

Waters said part of the camp involved helping athletes establish a healthy eating plan.

“They’re really excited to be going.”

A fundraising event was held at Highlands Tenpin on May 16 and while a total is yet to be finalised, more than $1000 has already been raised.

Highlands Tenpin coach Dianne McAusland has also been selected as an assistant coach for the NSW team.

With four Highlanders a part of the NSW team, Waters said it was great to have the region’s success recognised.

The Highlands has only been affiliated with Special Olympics as its own region for just over a year.

Nationals will be held from October 20-25.

Waters said donations could be made to help Kelsie and Cherrie through the website www.specialolympics.com.au or at Highlands Tenpin.

“It’s all tax deductible and all help would be appreciated,” he said.

All three bowlers have achieved plenty of success throughout the year already.

Each athlete had to win a certain number of tournaments in order to qualify for nomination.

Waters said there would be no more training camps with the NSW team.

Instead the three ten pin bowlers will continue their training each Thursday afternoon at Highlands Tenpin with the help of McAusland.

Special Olympics Southern Highlands can be fund online and also offers a range of sports including cricket, swimming and tennis.

The Highlands also hosted its first regional competition in May with over 80 athletes taking part over the weekend.