Sports News
Our para-athletes prepare to shine on international stage

Our para-athletes prepare to shine on international stage
By Samantha Elley
Two very excited mums, Annette Sky and Kerry Wamstall sit on the sidelines of Riverview Park at South Lismore.
As the shadows lengthen against the setting sun, they are there to support their children, 15-year-old Malachi Canning and 16-year-old Caitlin Bargwanna, who are preparing for their athletics meet at the international Virtus Oceanic Asia Games in Brisbane on 5-12 November.
“(We are) excited that they’ve been chosen in an Australian team,” said Annette.
“They are para athletes and (these games are) only for athletes with intellectual impairment.”
While Malachi has foetal alcohol syndrome, ADHD, hearing impairment and a number of other issues, Caitlin has autism.
Both are trying for various athletics events, including sprints, long jump, shotput discus and javelin.
“Malachi has very little competition in Australia so for him it will be good to see where he sits on the world stage,” said Annette.
“And this is the lead up to the global games in France next June.”
While battling regular dialysis treatments Kerry has found it difficult to get Caitlin to her meets.
“I’ve only started dialysis in the last three years so it’s been really hard for me to get her to competitions,” said Kerry.
“But there’s been a level in growth as she’s been attending competitions usually with the support of her brothers.”
There is no doubting the dedication of both Malachi and Caitlin to their sports.
“Malachi already holds an Under 20 record and he currently holds five Australian records for his classification,” said Annette.
“Under 15 and Under 17 Long Jump, Under 17 Discus and Under 17 and Under 20 shotput.”
They have both been competing since they were eight-years-old.
Malachi is a young man of very few words but his face lights up when he talks about the dedication to his sports.
“(When I don’t train) I workout,” he said.
“I do push ups, sit ups, chin ups, 3k-4k runs on the treadmill.”
Caitlin admitted to being very nervous but excited about the upcoming games.
“I am hoping to achieve a personal best in all the events: discus, shot put and javelin and a chance to go to France,” she said.
Fundraising is the biggest concern for Annette and Kerry and while joking about robbing a bank or winning lotto, they know this will be the biggest hurdle for their sporting teenagers.
“I’ve put an application to the Lord Taverner’s for some assistance,” said Kerry.
“And I’m going through the Local Sporting Heroes.”
Annette has approached both Federal MP Kevin Hogan and State MP Janelle Saffin.
If a local company is willing to support or sponsor these two young teenagers in their first international competition, you can contact The Northern Rivers Times.
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