Joel to don green and gold
Horsham’s Joel Emmett will don the green and gold to represent Australia at the 7th World Dwarf Games in Canada.
Emmett will travel to Guelph, Ontario, on August 2 to compete against short-statured athletes with dwarfism from across the world.
He said he became aware of the games through his involvement with Short Statured People of Australia, SSPA.
“I’d always kind of known about it, through SSPA. I became interested in competing a little while ago and decided to put my name forward,” he said.
“Once you put your name forward they put you into events.”
Emmett will represent Australia in basketball, badminton and track and is listed as an emergency for soccer.
While he has limited experience on the soccer field, Emmett has previously competed in Horsham Amateur Basketball Association’s domestic competition and played social badminton.
“I’ve always been a basketballer, I suppose, even though I stopped playing a little while ago,” he said.
“That’s my favourite event for the games. I’m also looking forward to the track events.”
The World Dwarf Games from August 4 to 12.
While the games provide participants with an opportunity to further their will run athletic pursuits, they also have wider appeal.
“I’m excited about seeing everyone from the other countries and having the opportunity to socialise with them,” Emmett said.
“It’s also a good opportunity for me to play against other short-statured people. I don’t get to do that very often.”
Emmett said he hoped to soak up as much of what Canada had to offer during the nine-day competition.
“I’m only going over for the games, I have to come home straight afterwards,” he said.
“I’m studying IT at university in Ballarat and as soon as we leave, semester two starts, so I need to get back for that.”
Emmett attended a training camp on the Gold Coast last year and has completed a couple of sessions in Melbourne.
“I’ve done most of my training in Horsham,” he said.
“It will be good to get together with the rest of the team.
“From what I’ve heard the camaraderie is very good – everyone gets around each other.”
Emmett will have a support crew in Canada, with his parents joining him on his adventure.
“I’d just like to say thanks to all the people who have supported me, especially my parents,” he said.
“Everyone has been great.”