Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Imagine sustaining a spinal injury at birth and still dreaming to compete in the Paralympics for the great nation of Australia. That's the dream of one amazing 15-year-old Goldstein resident, Oliver Pizzey-Stratford. The initial outlook for Oli was grim. His family was told to expect the worst—that if he lived he'd need assistance to breathe and swallow—but that didn't stop Oli. He has endured extensive, invasive and draining treatments and continues with regular therapy today.

Thankfully, he now spends less time at the Royal Children's Hospital and more time at home and school. He is not allowing setbacks to be his disability. In Oli's own words:

I have always dreamed of representing Australia at the Paralympic Games … this year I agreed to have major spinal surgery … I am looking forward to working on my fitness and getting back on the court and track … to represent Australia in athletics, 100 and 200 metres sprints and/or tennis and if things get really desperate I'm prepared to play table tennis.

Let's help make Oli's dream come true for Tokyo in 2020 and France in 2024. If you can help Oli, visit his mycause page and help him realise his dream.

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