Another accolade for local Paralympic hero
Paralympic gold medallist Jayden Warn has been inducted into Baw Baw Shire’s Sporting Walk of Fame.
Jayden’s achievements were honoured on Australia Day when he received an Order of Australia Medal.
But on Sunday, he received local accolades and honours to be inducted into the sporting walk of fame at Warragul’s Civic Park.
Jayden was left in a wheelchair after a car accident the day before his 17th birthday. His journey since then has been proof that persistence and overcoming adversity are possible.
Having joined the Australian Steelers in 2013, Jayden has been an integral part of the team that won its first world championship gold medal in 2014 at the World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Denmark and again a second time in 2016 at the Japan Para Invitational Championships.
Jayden also was a member of the gold medal winning 2016 Rio Paralympics team after defeating the United States 59 to 58 in the final.
A host of other medals including a two gold, three silver and a bronze make up Jayden’s international collection.
Shire deputy mayor Mikaela Power said Jayden had been an integral member of the Australia Steelers and was a worthy candidate to join the Sporting Walk of Fame.
“It’s so important to recognise the outstanding achievements of members of our community and Jayden is a clear example of a sporting hero.
“At just 22 years old, and the youngest member of the gold winning Paralympic team, Jayden has accomplished so much in his sport that now allows him to travel the world and represent our country.
“By cementing his place in the Sporting Walk of Fame, we can ensure that future generations know of his achievements within the sport of wheelchair rugby and give children another local sporting hero to idolise,” Cr Power said.