Summer is fast approaching and it is the time when we head outside and play sport.  Could you imagine a child not being able to play cricket in the backyard, kick a ball or participate in sport with friends and family?  This Christmas we are sending up to 50 children with a disability to our Wheelchair Sports Camp. We introduce them to different wheelchair sports in a fun and social environment.
The juniors connect with each other and are able to share stories and be inspired by our paralympians who are wonderful role models.

For some it is the first time attending a camp without family or carers. The simple act of playing a game of wheelchair basketball can be life changing for our young wheelies. 

I have so much admiration for Colin as he demonstrates amazing courage, stamina and dedication to overcome tough barriers. I would like to share with you Colin’s story.

“At nine years old I was involved in a head on car accident with my sister, brother and mother. My younger brother died as a result of the accident and I was left a paraplegic. Both my mother and sister also suffered significant injuries.

I was rushed to intensive care as I had multiple injuries, and spent a long time in hospital where I started the tough recovery process of rehabilitation. Upon my release my Occupational Therapist suggested I get in touch with Wheelchair Sports NSW. After a few attempts at several different sports, I attended a Wheelchair Sports Junior Christmas Camp when I was able to give wheelchair basketball a go. I absolutely fell in love with the sport.

I think as a teenager I found it very hard to fit in with my school friends, as I was always judged and looked at differently. When I play wheelchair basketball all of those insecurities disappear, I feel normal, part of team and not viewed differently because of my disability. Wheelchair sport has opened my perspective on the world and provided a second chance at life and I am so grateful for this experience.

“Col’s world just opened up for him. We all benefited greatly from Colin playing with the juniors. We had no time to sit down and let what happened get us down. We started travelling to a lot of different places, met some amazing people and became a part of a great sporting community. This was the start of a new journey, not only for Colin but for our whole family,” says relieved mother, Tracey.

I am now 20 years old and in my last year as captain of the NSW Juniors. I play for the Wollongong Roller Hawks in the Mens Wheelchair Basketball National League. We were League champions this year and I was selected in the All Star 5, which are the best five players in the League. I’m also in the Australian Under 23’ Mens Rollers team.  Wheelchair basketball has led me to gaining a scholarship with the NSW Institute of Sport and has opened a new direction in my life.

My dream is to one day represent Australia at the Paralympic Games in the Mens Wheelchair Basketball Team, but in reality playing wheelchair sport is expensive. We rely on the support of people like you. Without funds we won’t be able to afford things like; training, competitions, wheelchairs, travel and coaching.  I ask you on behalf of all the junior wheelies to please pledge your donation to Wheelchair Sports NSW this Christmas, as your donation will be an unbelievable gift to others just like me. “

This Christmas we are determined to help more people like Colin to reach their full potential. The harsh reality is without additional funding we will have to cut back on some of our invaluable sport programs.  On behalf of Colin and every member and family we support, I ask you to please give generously to Wheelchair Sports NSW this Christmas.

Thank you for your kind support and generosity.

We wish you a happy and safe festive season.

Warm Regards,

Jim O’Brien
Chief Executive Officer