Peter King, Manager Sport Development at Cerebral Palsy Alliance (CPA), has been named Manager of the Australian team to compete in the 2018 CPISRA CP World Games, in Sant Cugat, a town north of Barcelona, Spain, in August.
CPISRA stands for Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association and when Disability Sports Australia (DSA) announced the selection of the six athletes who will compete they said it is the largest Australian team to ever travel to the CPISRA CP World Games.
The team consists of swimmers Tahlia Blanshard and Rachel Staines, athletes Summer Giddings and Nick Riches, and Mali Lovell and Holly Saunders who are in the female CP football team as well as competing in athletics events.
Mali, 13, and Holly, 15, are long-standing members of the CPA sport development program and Peter feels proud to be working with them and the other athletes.
CP athletes demonstrate what is possible
“Nothing encourages young people with CP more than seeing their peers achieve incredible things,” he says. “It tells them that it’s possible, and to have the courage to give it a go and follow their dreams.”
Peter has known Mali for about five years. “I have seen her develop into a confident young lady, who is talented at so many sports. She is a Paralympian in the making but at the moment she is achieving her own targets, making loads of friends and being carefully guided by her loving family.”
Peter says Holly is also impressive. “She is determined to succeed and confident in her own ability. It’s not surprising that she has already achieved a world record long jump as a junior athlete. She is also a great team player, and makes other young athletes feel brave too.”
Jenni Cole, CEO of DSA, says the 2018 CP World Games is an incredible opportunity for athletes to represent their country on an international stage.
“Sport has the power to change lives, not only physically with the numerous health benefits, but it also aids social development and integration,” she says. “Disability Sports Australia is delighted to be working with CPA and Peter King to help prepare the Australian team to compete to their best ability in Spain in August.”
Peter praised for increasing awareness
Peter says he is honoured to have been selected. “To be involved in the development of young athletes is a key part of my role within the CPA Sports program. From a personal view point it has been so rewarding to see how sport can change people’s lives and teach them so many skills for their future careers, personal relationships and their participation in the community.”
The team and Peter will be accompanied by up to five carers and coaching and support staff. While both DSA and CPA will be providing financial and logistical support to this team, the athletes are largely self-funded.
Rob White, CEO of CPA, congratulates the athletes and Peter for being selected to attend the games. “For over 20 years, Peter has been a huge advocate for our CPA clients around increasing access to sporting and recreation activities. His extensive knowledge, experience and unique skill set will be a huge asset to the Australian team!”
Mark Liberatore, CPA’s Manager Health, Wellbeing and Sport also congratulates Peter. “Peter and the CPA Sport Development team he leads delivers a variety of sport and recreation activities across multiple sites and regions in NSW,” Mark says. “Our vision is to expand these offerings so that more children, teens and adults with disabilities can take part in sport and enjoy the health, wellbeing and social benefits it delivers.”
Learn more about the CPA sport program on our website or call 1300 888 378.
