HELPING IN EVERY WAY

Q You created the Sports Access Foundation in 2017 to help children with a disability in get involved in sport, why?

A I had a strong sense of wanting to give back to a sport that has given me so much. As a child growing up I had to have a lot of speech therapy and work quite hard in my early years to catch up to my peers. Sport is where I always felt equal. It was a natural thought of how do we ensure the young kids coming through with disability have access to and can play sport? It’s so important for their wellbeing and selfesteem. I spoke to my family and friends and everyone got on board.

Q How have you see the foundation grow throughout its early stages? A In 2017 we awarded three kids with funding. We had about 30 applicants and in 2018 we had a 100 applicants and we have awarded funding to four kids, including one indigenous child who was born in the Northern Territory, so we are really proud about that as well. They haven’t been announced yet. They will be announced on September 26 at an event in Darwin.

Q How fulfilling has your work with the foundation been?

A I constantly feel guilty about having this life of a high-performance athlete while all my mates and siblings are working high corporate roles and managing family and children. I do this sport where I get to train full-time. Sport Access is a tremendous leveller for me.