Lee Atwell (second from left) with niece Chelsy Watkins, nephew Cameron Watkins and sister Tracey Watkins, (right) Lee training under the watchful eye of West Coast Eagles star Andrew Embley.
Camera IconLee Atwell (second from left) with niece Chelsy Watkins, nephew Cameron Watkins and sister Tracey Watkins, (right) Lee training under the watchful eye of West Coast Eagles star Andrew Embley. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Ambassador for an Activ life

Sam Gibbs, Canning TimesCanning Gazette

Mr Atwell, who was born with Down syndrome, was chosen to represent Activ as an event ambassador at the City to Surf fun run next month.

Mr Atwell (39) has always enjoyed sports and staying active, and has been training hard in preparation for the 4km City to Surf walk.

His sister Tracy Watkins, a Rossmoyne resident, and niece and nephew Chelsy and Cameron Watkins, will join him on the walk.

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‘He is very happy-go-lucky,’ Mrs Watkins said. ‘He’s been like that since he was a child.’

Mr Atwell was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and is visually impaired. He had a stroke nine years ago and does not have full use of his left hand.

‘Lee has a lot of medical problems, but he’s never let that stop him from doing anything,’ Mrs Watkins said.

‘As his sister, I felt so blessed and lucky to have him in my life.

‘He has been a fantastic uncle for the kids and enriched so many lives.’

Mr Atwell has lived in an Activ group house in Atwell with four other men for 13 years.

There is a 10-year waiting list for a place in Activ group houses.

Close friend and housemate Chris Holt will also walk with Mr Atwell in the City to Surf.

Mr Atwell is involved in tenpin bowling, indoor cricket, football and swimming.

He was able to meet Premier Colin Barnett, West Coast Eagles player Andrew Embley and Fremantle Docker Sam Menegola this month through his involvement with the Fremantle CBC All Abilities football team.

The Chevron City to Surf is on August 25.