Chloe Hosa, TJ Straw claim bronze at the Special Olympics in Berlin

A pair of Mackay basketballers earned the chance to represent Australia in Berlin, and returned home medal winners.

Australia's men's and women's basketball teams celebrate bronze. Picture credit: Special Olympics Australia

The bags of Mackay locals TJ Straw and Chloe Hosa were a little heavier when they touched down on the Brisbane Airport tarmac on Wednesday evening.

For the pair returned from Special Olympics World Games in Berlin bronze medallists, having tasted success in men’s and women’s traditional basketball respectively.

The Special Olympics is an inclusive sporting event for those with intellectual disabilities, mimicking the events and nature of the Olympics.

The first addition of the Games came in 1968, and it now alternates between summer and winter games every two years.

Berlin’s instalment welcomed over 7000 athletes from 190 countries to compete in 26 sports.

Team Australia finished with 15 gold medals, 21 silver, and 23 bronze.

“It was my dream to play for Australia,” said Hosa, who, as did every athlete, underwent a vigorous process to make it to Berlin.

Chloe Hosa in action. Picture credit: Special Olympics Australia

Their journey begins at club level, and if players were good enough to catch the eye of selectors, they progressed to a training camp in Brisbane before Nationals in Tassie.

Perform well at nationals, and you then find yourself suiting up for the Australian side.

But getting selected is only half the battle if you want to travel to Berlin and compete in the Special Olympics.

“I raised $9000, all on my own,” Hosa revealed, the pride in her voice evident.

Yes, every athlete had to raise an imposing $9000 once selected if they were to make it to Berlin.

Hosa detailed an arduous yet enjoyable fundraising campaign, which included newspaper, TV, and radio appearances in both Mackay and her hometown of Lithgow, as well as approaching local businesses for support.

Mackay's TJ Straw goes for a layup. Picture credit: Special Olympics Australia

“For everyone who supported me, thank you so much,” said Hosa.

Straw spoke to a similar journey of “fundraising, raffles,” to fund his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

And his highlight of the trip? The opening ceremony: “We had the most fun time… lots of kids… I saw people playing with drums, the song was so good,” Straw beamed.

Hosa on the other hand loved the team bonding and morale side of the experience.

“Being able to do it with 64 other people you barely know… was amazing cause we all grew closer together, it was incredible,” Hosa said.

Australia's men's and women's basketball teams celebrate bronze. Picture credit: Special Olympics Australia

And although the on-court success was great, the experiences off the court were just as valuable, pushing the athletes comfort zones

“I have an intellectual disability - being able to talk to people, interact with people, I find it hard,” Hosa said.

“It’s been hard on this trip, interacting with people, I just zone out and don’t talk to anyone.

“I just kept on going and did my best.”