Celebrating Ryan at the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games
From 19–23 October, Melbourne hosted the 2026 Special Olympics Australia National Games, “a celebration of inclusion, determination and the power of sport”.
Our very own Ryan McGrane was a proud participant in this once-every-four-years event, which this year marked 50 fabulous years of achievement!
The week saw over 2,000 athletes compete across 12 sports at the Albert Park sporting precinct. The opening ceremony was held at Margaret Court Arena and, in a much-anticipated spectacle, saw athletes, officials and members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg team carry the Flame of Hope into the arena before lighting the cauldron to signal the start of competition!
As per usual, Ryan put his best foot forward, finishing 6th in the 400m freestyle, narrowly missing bronze in the 100m breaststroke, and being part of the team that won silver in the 4 x 50m medley relay, in which he swam the butterfly leg.
Unfortunately, Ryan then fell ill and had to return home before he could contest the 200m breaststroke final, which was his favoured event.
Well done and thank you, Ryan, for leading by example with your trademark determination. GSC and the general swimming community are so proud of you!
