The repetitive click-clack of a small white ball paddling back and forth over a net may seem like a simple game of ping pong, but for these three teammates, it could be their ticket to the world stage.
The Bundaberg athletes are gearing up to compete in the Special Olympics Australia in Melbourne later this month, where table tennis is making its competitive debut.
Oscar Quarrell, 16, is diligently working to perfect his pendulum — a serve with a bit of side and back spin.
Oscar is one of three from his regional club, 400 kilometres north of Brisbane, to be selected as part of the 14-strong Queensland table tennis team.
"I love table tennis because it's something that takes my mind off thinking and gives me a break," he said.
"It's also very fun to do with people that actually enjoy hanging around you."
Celebrating 50 years
The Special Olympics is for people with intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays or autism. It is also an organisation that supports community-based clubs and participation.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics movement in Australia.
Special Olympics Australia CEO Jamie O'Connor said 850 athletes across 13 sports would compete at the 2026 games.
"Special Olympics provides programs at a grassroots level week in, week out, at a community level," he said.
"But it also has the path that goes through local competitions to state events, to national events, to international events.
"Our Special Olympics is more about participation opportunities than it is about winning gold medals."
Mr O'Connor said that, in addition to the inclusion of table tennis, dance sport would be a demonstration sport for the first time this year.
"As sport evolves, and the demand for different sports evolves, then we try and provide options for people with intellectual disability and the sports that they want to compete in," he said.
About 60 athletes who are successful in the national games will go on to compete at the Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile, next October.
Trio take on games
As the excitement builds towards the national games alongside his backhand, Oscar was also preparing for a big leap in independence.
"I'm excited to do something different, and it's also the first time I haven't had my parents with me, so they are going to come and watch, but I'm not allowed to speak to them," he said.
Clubmates Taylah and Nicholas will be joining Oscar in Melbourne.
Taylah has her eyes firmly on the prize, saying she looks forward to winning then going on to compete at the world games.
Nicholas is also hoping to win a medal, having played the game for 13 years.
His mum, Margaret, said table tennis had opened doors for her son and she enjoyed watching the competition.
"They all want to do their best but, at the end of the day, whoever gets first, second or last, they're all rewarded, and they are happy for them," Ms Jefferson said.
"There's cheering, there's no jealousy, they're here to support each other."
Queensland table tennis head coach Kim Hammermeister had high hopes for her Queensland team when they competed at the national level for the first time.
"Bundaberg has always been very strong with their school program for people with an intellectual impairment," she said.
Ms Hammermeister said any Special Olympics sport provided opportunities for friendship.
"People with an intellectual impairment can become very isolated, especially after school," she said.
"Of course, the physical benefits of being active are amazing; you can't put a price on that."
