City of Gosnells Competition Sponsorship is helping Canning Vale youth Ryan Grant (16) compete in the Australian Surf Life Saving Adaptive National Championships on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland this week.
Ryan, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder, is representing Coogee Surf Life Saving Club at the championships and is the first person with disability from the club to compete at this level.
Mayor Terresa Lynes said it was great that the City had been able to contribute $400 through its Competition Sponsorship program, to help Ryan make the trip.
“Ryan has worked really hard to earn his place at these championships and he should be really proud of his achievements – I wish him all the best at the championships, and with all his future endeavours,” she said.
Ryan and his younger brother Austin (10), who also has Autism Spectrum Disorder, have been part of the Starfish Nippers program at Coogee Surf Life Saving Club for the past two years, where children with disability learn about beach safety.
In addition to breaking down barriers in surf lifesaving, Ryan also competes in the West Rise All Abilities Basketball League each week and plays for the Southern Lions All Abilities Rugby team. Ryan recently returned from a trip to Wollongong in New South Wales with his dad Guy, where he played rugby in a series of all abilities rugby exhibition matches.
Ryan’s mum Cara, who will also be travelling to the Sunshine Coast, said there were now more opportunities for young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other disabilities to participate in sport than there had been when Ryan was young.
“A good friend told me about the City of Gosnells Competition Sponsorship program over a cup of coffee and I’m so glad we submitted our application for funding – we were delighted when we found out it had been successful,” she said.
More information about the City's Competition Sponsorship program is available via this link or by calling 9397 3000.
Photo caption: City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes congratulates Ryan Grant (16) on his selection to compete in the Australian Surf Life Saving Adaptive National Championships in Queensland.
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