The keen swimmer was unable to pursue his favourite sport for six months, but after a strict regime of rehabilitation the determined Kolbe Catholic College student will be WA’s only representative in the Australian team at the World Dwarf Games in the USA this August.
Sam (15) has the bone disorder achondroplasia, commonly known as dwarfism, but his larger-than-life personality and keen competitive nature meant he was named Rockingham Stingrays swimming club 2013 Swimmer of the Year at its recent awards night.
It’s this irrepressible nature and sheer swimming talent which got the attention of Short Statured People of Australia Inc in Sydney in January, where he was selected to swim the 25m butterfly and backstroke, 100m individual medley and 50m freestyle events in the open men’s division.
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READ NOWThe youngest of six siblings, the Port Kennedy teen loves all sports ” especially AFL ” and spends six days a week training at the Aqua Jetty pool.
He said he was looking forward to meeting his fellow team members again and competing with and watching other short-statured athletes, especially the Australian basketball team. T
The team hopes to increase the 2009 medal tally of 24 at an event that helps create a positive awareness of the short-statured and their capabilities.
A fundraising quiz night will be held next month to help Sam get to Michigan State University for the August 3-10 2013 World Dwarf Games.
If you can offer other sponsorship help, call Melinda Moorhouse at ACTON Rockingham on 9592 8999.