Local Para Champions
Case Studies
Para Champion riding the waves life throws at him
Not even a broken back could keep Max Devery off his surfboard.
After surviving a life-threatening spinal cord injury, the 16-year-old from Perth is back riding waves and competing in surf competitions around Australia.
“I broke my T7 and dislodged other vertebrae, collapsed both of my lungs, broke five ribs and had three chest drains,” Max said.
Despite the obstacles and extensive rehabilitation process he faced, Max was back surfing with his mates and competing in the Australia Para Surfing Champions within 12 months of his accident.
“There was a time when I thought I wouldn’t be able to do anything again, but the thing I wanted the most, was to be able to surf,” Max said.
With the help of his custom-built surfboard and sheer determination, he made it happen.
“I love being able to surf with all my mates again and being around them in the water, catching waves and having fun.
“My goal is to win a national title next year,” Max added.
A recipient of the Australian Government’s Local Para Champions (LPC) program, Max is one of many young para-athletes who have received a grant to support their participation in a sporting championship.
“The grant has helped us out a lot and covered some of the costs of our accommodation and meals during the championships in Port Macquarie,” Max said.
The LPC program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 24 years, who participate in state, national or international championships for athletes with a disability. Successful applicants receive between $750 and $1000 toward the cost of attending their championships.
For more information on the LPC program, visit the ASC website.
Stephanie Bruzzese – Local Para Champion making waves across the country
Stephanie Bruzzese is making a splash in national swimming competitions across Australia and already has her sights set on the next Paralympic Games.
The 15-year-old from Ashfield, NSW who scored a whopping 13 medals from both the 2022 Australian Age and School Sport Australia Swimming Championships this year, has been selected to represent Australia at the 2022 Virtus Oceania Asia Games – an international swimming competition for people with intellectual disabilities.
“Stephanie is extremely passionate about the sport and is motivated to train hard to take her swimming career to the next level,” Stephanie’s mother Sonia explained.
“I love the swimming environment, being around people and travelling to different places. My aim is to make the Paris 2024 Paralympic games,” Stephanie said.
A recipient of the Australian Government’s Local Para Champions (LPC) program, Stephanie is one of many young athletes who have received a grant to support their participation in a sporting championship.
“If it wasn’t for the grant Stephanie wouldn’t be able to compete in multiple competitions every year,” Sonia said.
“For each competition we pay for flights, accommodation, car hire and entry fees. We are so lucky to have received the grant. It really makes a difference.”
The LPC program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12 to 24 years, who participate in state, national or international championships for athletes with a disability. Successful applicants receive between $750 and $1000 toward the cost of attending their championships.
For more information on the LPC program visit the ASC website.
Have any questions about Local Para Champions?
Email: lsc@ausport.gov.au