Local Hobsons Bay primary school kids Bonnie and Ethan recently competed and won in the School Sport Australia Cross Country Championships in Canberra.
Mother, Fiona McCarroll said both kids trained hard and came away with national medals , after competing against kids from Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales.
“Both kids are in different categories in the multi class competition, which caters for athletes with a disability,” she said.
“Essentially it’s like the Paralympics, but at a junior level.”
This was Ethan’s first time in the competition, and Bonnie’s second, both of which will be back again next year.
“They had such a great time, it is really good for their confidence,” said Fiona.
“Both kids go to mainstream schools, so this gives them an opportunity to have great success at a national level.
“They were part of a team that had a majority of mainstream athletes, so for them to be part of that environment and have their own success is fabulous.”
As well as competing, Fiona said the kids enjoyed some sights while they were there.
“They got to spend time at the Australian Institute of Sport while they were up there and the national museum,”she said.
“They got to take in some sites at the same time as competing against athletes from all over Australia.”
Fiona said she hopes this story will get more kids with disabilities involved in sport.
“The numbers are growing slowly, but there still isn’t enough,” she said.
“We hope people take advantage of the opportunities that are out there for kids with disabilities so kids can shine in a sporting arena.”
Jennifer Pittorino
