Over eleven powerful days, the Paralympians of the world delighted us, inspired us and blew us away with their strength, speed, determination and heart.
The Paralympic Games are not only an awesome demonstration of elite sport, but also an important representation of opportunity and pathways for people living with disabilities.
For Mark, sport has become a foundation of his life, a purpose and, during his most difficult days, a life raft.
“I play roughly ten sports, I compete nationally in two sports and am training for the Paralympics. I play wheelchair basketball, archery, rowing, and cycling. I’m an Australian captain for the wheelchair curling team. Oh, we’re going to Korea later in the year”.
Mark has experienced more trauma in his life than most people could survive. While suffering from PTSD linked to his time in the military, he acquired serious physical injuries; A fall from a roof and a subsequent stroke leaving him paralysed.
Mark was later diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, a condition that affects how the brain sends and receives messages to the rest of the body.
“I ended up attempting to take my life twice while I was in hospital. And thank God, one of my beautiful young support workers came in and just grabbed me and held me and then we got the help.”
Mark turned to sport and that is where he has found joy and purpose, structure and success. He has since completed three marathons, represented Australia, and travelled all over the world for competitions.
But Mark was based in a regional area and travelling 200km into the city for his sporting commitments became unmanageable. So in order to continue pursuing his Paralympic dream and compete at a high level he needed to move. This is where Youngcare stepped in.
The charity, which supports young Australians with high level disabilities, offered Mark a financial grant to cover the cost of a bed for his support workers, as well as a washing machine and a dryer for his new home. They are simple but necessary items that have made his pathway possible.
“People like me, we couldn’t do what we do without the grants. As we know, it’s all expensive and it all helps so much.”
Today on Youngcare’s Giving Day you can make a big difference to the lives of people like Mark as every donation will be doubled. Youngcare CEO, Greg Johnson said the funds raised will go towards purpose-built and modern disability accommodation, grants and Youngcare’s free information and advice line.
“Youngcare’s Grants Programs, housing solutions, advocacy and support line operate to assist young people with physical disabilities – all year round! Our Giving Day plays a huge role in ensuring this is possible. And it truly is the day to give, because for 24-hours all donations are matched.”
Our nation, big of heart, has supported our Paralympians over two weeks of inspiring competition and this is one of the many ways in which we can continue to embrace Australians living with disabilities in a real and tangible way.
“The Paralympics help to highlight the extraordinary skills of people with disabilities, like Mark; we need to continue this wonderful representation long after the Paralympics are over,” Johnson said.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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