A Blue Mountains teacher is on track to compete at the 2019 World Cup as part of the Australian Pararoos but he and the team need your help.
Winmalee Public School assistant principal, Chris Pyne, has been a member of the team since he was 15. Despite competing at an international level, including at the Paralympics, the team has yet to compete at a World Cup.
“The Pararoos are Australia’s national football team for athletes with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury or symptoms acquired from stroke,” said Susan Templeman, MP, who met Mr Pyne at a recent training day.
“Next month, the team will compete at the Asian Cup, which is a qualifier for the 2019 World Cup. If they qualify, it will be the first time the Pararoos compete at World Cup level.
“Chris has been with the team since its creation in 1999, when he was just 15 years old. Now almost 20 years later, he’s on track to achieve his dreams.
“He’s an amazing ambassador for his sport and people with disabilities. He and the team deserve our support.
“The Pararoos stopped receiving federal funding in 2015 and now rely on fundraising to help achieve their goals of competing at an elite level.
“I’m encouraging the Blue Mountains and Hawkesbury to get behind Chris and the team and help them achieve their 20-year dream of competing at the World Cup in 2019.”
People wishing to support the team are encouraged to visit: www.pararoos.com.au.