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Tag: Retired

  • Retired Paralympian Gerry Hewson wants pathways to elite Para sport strengthened amid survey figures

    Retired Paralympian Gerry Hewson wants pathways to elite Para sport strengthened amid survey figures

    Tallow Ra’s obsession with wheelchair basketball runs deep; it’s all he can talk about.

    Earlier this year he even begged to stay home from a family holiday so he could keep training.

    The 12-year-old plays for the Hills Hornets in Sydney, after being introduced to the sport two years ago.

    “I think it’s just the competitiveness and competing for something, it’s really fun,” Tallow said.

    “It’s the whole community, meeting new friends and getting to know people who are like you.”

    While Tallow loves sport and the new friends he’s made, it’s not the case for all kids. 

    Allianz surveyed 189 parents of children with disabilities, and found half of them drop out of school sport before the age of 11.

    This could be due to the expense of specialist equipment, inaccessible venues, or even anxiety about participating, especially in mainstream sport.

    Retired Paralympian Gerry Hewson acknowledges the challenges children and their families face staying in sport.

    A man sits in a wheelchair on a basketball court, he is holding a basketball on his lap

    Retired Paralympian Gerry Hewson wants to see more disabled children have access to sport. (ABC News: Geoff Kemp)

    “The question I would like to ask is how many kids don’t have access to sport?” he said.

    Barriers to participation

    One in five Australians live with disability, with an estimated 24 per cent of them participating in sport at least once a week.

    This figure is in stark contrast to the overall sports participation of 41 per cent of non-disabled Australians.

    According to Paralympics Australia, three in four disabled people want to play sport, but face barriers to participation.

    These barriers particularly impact school-aged children who live with disabilities, like Tallow.

    A photo from an aerial view of two boys in wheelchairs shooting hoops. The ball is in the hoop.

    The cost of wheelchairs and travel to accessible venues can get to be too much for families. (Supplied: Allianz)

    With families already struggling with the cost-of-living pressures, paying for sport beyond club fees can be one of the biggest barriers, with sports wheelchairs costing anywhere between $5,000 and $15,000.

    Hewson, who won gold with the Australian men’s wheelchair basketball team at the 1996 Paralympics, says expensive equipment is a big thing, especially if you have children wanting to compete in multiple wheelchair sports requiring different types of chairs.

    For many parents, like Tallow’s mum Sua Ra, it isn’t just the cost of equipment, but also the time it can take for busy families to get to accessible training venues.

    “Often, we have to drive quite a distance, up to an hour, just to go to training, which obviously not everyone can do,” she said.

    Disabled children can become more aware of their impairments as they enter their teen years, which can lead to some children feeling anxious about participating in sport alongside non-disabled peers.

    It’s a feeling dual summer and winter Paralympian Rae Anderson can relate to. 

    A woman wearing a grey dress, stands in a library, she is smiling.

    Paralympian Rae Anderson participated in sport from a young age. (ABC News: Adam Wyatt)

    “As a child, I wasn’t quite aware of how different I was because of my disability,” she said.

    “It wasn’t until I started high school that I became quite self-conscious and aware of how my disability presents.”

    Vision for the future

    Hewson says the landscape needs to be changed to encourage children with disabilities to take up and stay in sport, including making venues more accessible, and education for coaches and teachers in mainstream and school sports, so that children with disabilities can play with their non-disabled peers and feel a sense of belonging.

    He says it’s about being adaptable as a coach and being open to including disabled people.

    Man smiles in wheelchair looking up at basketball ring.

    Hewson says the pathways to elite sport for people with a disability need to be strengthened. (ABC News: Lani Oataway)

    “It’s just kind of looking outside the box, and saying, ‘well, okay, you can do this, but oh, you can’t do that, we’ll find a way around that,’” he said.

    For Hewson it also comes down to equity of funding between Para and mainstream sports and strengthening pathways to elite sport.

    Lack of funding has been an ongoing issue for many Para sports, particularly those that do require expensive equipment for athletes to participate.

    Inspiration and support to pursue sport is also key, so disabled children can see what is possible.

    “Kids with disabilities need heroes too,” Hewson said.

    “We probably need to focus on finding those heroes, so kids can get in there, have fun, and try and achieve.”

    For parents, like Ms Ra, it is the social benefits and growth of her son’s confidence that have been most important.

    “For Tallow, [it’s about] not feeling like he’s different from anyone else, and just normalising the fact that there’s kids with disabilities and they can play sports too,” she said.

    And for Tallow, it is all the friends he has made in wheelchair basketball that keep driving him back to the court.

    “When more people join the sport, it makes the sport brighter and thrive,” he said.

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  • Retired referee Ssegonga gives 10 acres for Cheptegei Olympic Village

    Retired referee Ssegonga gives 10 acres for Cheptegei Olympic Village

    In one of his many timeless and thought provoking hits, Basima Ogenze, singer Jose Chameleone wondered why it is easier to appreciate people’s efforts when they are long gone.

    If it was a Luganda themed dinner to see off International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach, at Sheraton Hotel Kampala on Wednesday, retired football referee Mohammed Ssegonga could have done with bellowing into the tune. Maybe the Police band or Ndere Troupes led by Stephen Rwangyezi could have backed him up to add to their already ballistic performances on the night.

    Ssegonga still captured the room with his surprise and generous offer of “10 acres of land in Nakasongola” to legendary athlete Joshua Cheptegei to establish “for his legacy, a Cheptegei Olympic Village”.

    “This offer is effective starting tomorrow (Thursday) and we should do the transfer next week,” Ssegonga, who retired at 41, told the Minister of State for Sports Peter Ogwang as he handed over “the original title.”

    It is never easy to read the room but Ssegonga’s presence at the dinner pointed at something. First, he has largely kept a low profile since keeping away his whistle in 2011 but also, Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) general secretary Beatrice Ayikoru, who alongside National Council of Sports general secretary Bernard Patrick Ogwel had been in the know, signaled to one of the hosts of the night Mark Ssali, at the start of the function, that he introduces Ssegonga alongside Olympians Winnie Nanyondo and Halimah Nakaayi.

    “As a former elite referee, I know the sacrifice that comes with being successful in sports; the hard work, dedication, disappointment like was the case (during the 2017 World Athletics Cross Country Championships) in Kololo, bouncing back. This kind of work needs to be recognized,” Ssegonga said.

    It was largely a serene and emotional night for a visitor who most wanted to hang around longer. The invites to return punctuated most speeches.

    UOC president Donald Rukare used the opportunity to push government to include the body in next year’s budget “as a testament to the continued good working relationship between NCS and UOC” but also thanked it for recognizing them in the new Sports Act.

    Ogwang said he has mainly “struggled with balancing the pressure from UOC” in his tenure and asked them and the international body IOC to be alive to the bureaucracy of government.

    Former Minister of State for Sports, and now ruling party National Resistance Movement Chief Whip in Parliament, Hamson Obua, said Bach’s “visit gives us hope and faith in the future but also expands on our bragging rights as a nation.”

    He promised Uganda “will remain a strong nation that will come to the Olympics to win medals and break records.”

    In his departing remarks, Bach promised to return.

    “We will keep fond memories of our visit here. I believe that you do not leave a country without an idea of coming back. I was offered a chance, next time, to see the elephants and I will take the opportunity because I am not sure, with the Olympic Movement, that I will be welcome after my term,” Bach, who will not seek re-election when this term expires mid next year, said in a lighthearted conclusion.

    Former Fifa centre referee

    Last international : Tanzania vs. South Africa (May 4, 2011)

    Last club match (continental): CS Sfaxien vs. Al Hilal (October 30, 2010)

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  • Retired high-class escort Amanda Goff aka ‘Samantha X’ reveals her shock career move after being rushed to hospital with a ‘life threatening’ condition

    Retired high-class escort Amanda Goff aka ‘Samantha X’ reveals her shock career move after being rushed to hospital with a ‘life threatening’ condition

    Amanda Goff, previously known under the moniker Samantha X, retired from high-end escorting more than two years ago in the hopes of leading a ‘normal’ life.

    But on Tuesday, the 50-year-old announced she’s available for bookings while revealing her shock career change.

    Known as Australia’s most high-profile escort, Amanda has officially begun her career as a certified Bondi Beach Pilates instructor.

    ‘It’s taken 100 supervised teaching hours, 100 practice hours, 100 observation and LOADS of online work and digging deep to find my confidence,’ Amanda announced on Instagram. 

    ‘And Just Like That, I taught my first ever proper REAL LIFE reformer class today at Movement Collective AU.’ 

    Her newly opened studio, named Bum Bums Pilates — not to be confused with Bondi Beach Bums Pilates down the road — has its own Instagram page which can also be used to book one-on-one sessions with the public figure. 

    Continuing her post, Amanda joked the name was ‘on brand’.  

    ‘If you want to learn how to move your body, strengthen your core and need to ease back pain – DM and I’ll book you in!’ the caption ended. 

    Amanda Goff (pictured), previously known under the moniker Samantha X, retired from high-end escorting more than two years ago in the hopes of leading a 'normal' life

    Amanda Goff (pictured), previously known under the moniker Samantha X, retired from high-end escorting more than two years ago in the hopes of leading a ‘normal’ life 

    She retired in 2022, three years after going public as high-profile escort known as Samantha X

    She retired in 2022, three years after going public as high-profile escort known as Samantha X

    Pilates is a system of repetitive mind-body exercises performed on a map or other equipment and designed to improve strength, stability, and flexibility. 

    It’s also the latest fitness craze to sweep fitness-mad Sydney, particularly Bondi, along with boxing classes and run clubs.  

    In the first post shared on her businesses’ social media page, Amanda wrote: ‘I’m 50, I’m not particularly flexible, I can’t touch my toes, am not an ex dancer or model, and if it’s fancy moves in nude active wear you’re looking for, you’ve come to the wrong place.’

    The 50-year-old has officially opened her Bum Bum Pilates studio for business

    The 50-year-old has officially opened her Bum Bum Pilates studio for business

    Amanda said any potential clients looking for 'fancy moves in nude activewear' will be sorely disappointed, as she aims her services at helping women over the age of 40 with pelvic pain and other issues

    Amanda said any potential clients looking for ‘fancy moves in nude activewear’ will be sorely disappointed, as she aims her services at helping women over the age of 40 with pelvic pain and other issues

    She wrote that her studio will be targeted at women over the age of 40 and will specialise in helping with ‘pelvic floor, hip issues, back pain, mental health and connection.’ 

    In the vulnerable post, Amanda didn’t skimp on the details when she admitted that the exercise ‘changed [her] life.’ 

    ‘It helps me stay sober. It’s made me leaner, fitter, stronger. It give me joy. It helped me leave my old industry and find my tribe. I can’t wait to help you.’ 

    The drastic lifestyle change comes after Amanda was rushed to hospital with a ‘life threatening’ condition in August. 

    The author shared an update to Instagram from her hospital bed after succumbing to the condition. 

    In her caption, Amanda, who was in the midst of her Pilates teaching course, revealed that she had been diagnosed with Non-Sustained Ventricular Tachycardia (NSVT). 

    The drastic lifestyle change comes after Goff was rushed to hospital with a 'life threatening' condition in August, 2024

    The drastic lifestyle change comes after Goff was rushed to hospital with a ‘life threatening’ condition in August, 2024

    According to Very Well Health, NSVT is an ‘abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that starts in the lower chambers of the heart (ventricle)’. 

    The condition becomes dangerous when it also develops into Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) which is a ‘heart rhythm disorder that causes a very fast or erratic heartbeat’, according to the Mayo Clinic. 

    She explained that she had both issues and had to undergo surgery at St Vincent’s hospital in Sydney.  

    ‘Guys this is a SUPER IMPORTANT post for you. I have been diagnosed with a heart condition NSVT / SVT.  It’s serious, it’s life threatening and it’s treatable,’ she wrote in her caption. 

    ‘It’s all happened very fast – diagnosed Friday, in surgery Monday. NEVER ignore any symptoms. Mine were feeling faint and almost blacking out after exercise.’

    The podcaster and journalist has turned over a new leaf, leaving the industry that made her a household name two years ago

    The podcaster and journalist has turned over a new leaf, leaving the industry that made her a household name two years ago

    Pilates is a system of repetitive mind-body exercises performed on a map or other equipment and designed to improve strength, stability, and flexibility. It's also the latest fitness craze to sweep fitness-mad Sydney

    Pilates is a system of repetitive mind-body exercises performed on a map or other equipment and designed to improve strength, stability, and flexibility. It’s also the latest fitness craze to sweep fitness-mad Sydney

    She continued: ‘I was supposed to be on a plane to Canada today. Instead I am in St Vincent’s cardiac ward. NSVT is the cause of sudden death and cardiac arrests. 

    ‘I am blessed I found this out before not after. My body knew something wasn’t right, so I got it checked out. If there is anything you can take from this is never ignore what your body is telling you. 

    ‘Ladies – PLS don’t dismiss feeling faint as hormones or period etc etc. If it keeps happening, get it checked out NOW.’

    Amanda then explained what the future holds for her in terms of ongoing treatment.  

    ‘I will be able to lead a completely normal life – worst case scenario a defibrillator, best case meds,’ she said.

    Last year, Amanda revealed she was suffering from an alcohol problem in the height of escort career.

    The blonde would down a bottle of champagne on a night out, black out, cause chaos and wake up the next day wanting to die.

    Last year, Amanda revealed she was suffering from an alcohol problem in the height of escort career

    Last year, Amanda revealed she was suffering from an alcohol problem in the height of escort career 

    In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia last December, she said her relationship with alcohol went on for 10 years – but that the ‘last three or four’ were ridiculous.

    ‘When I did drink I would cause absolute chaos. I would get blackout drunk every time and honestly I don’t know how I am still alive,’ she said.

    She would wake up with strange bruises and a patchwork memory of the night before.

    ‘I would be aggressive and start fights – I was completely dead inside,’ she said.

    She was consumed by toxic thoughts and would suffer through hangovers for days – each time promising it was the last.

    Only to wind up in the same position a week later.

    ‘I didn’t wake up and have a drink. I was a binge drinker. Toward the end I would drink almost every weekend,’ she said.

    Goff said her friends and family knew she had an alcohol problem before she did and were really worried for her.

    She caught on and noticed other people she knew with similar party animal ways were dying, by suicide and because of some horrific accident.

    Amanda, who was still working as Samantha X at the time, tried on and off for six months but couldn't kick her party girl habit

    Amanda, who was still working as Samantha X at the time, tried on and off for six months but couldn’t kick her party girl habit

    ‘I knew my life would end in tragedy if I kept drinking and it petrified me. I didn’t want to die and felt like I was losing control of my life,’ she said.

    ‘I also didn’t want to be the 60-year-old propping up the bar.’

    Amanda, who was still working as Samantha X at the time, tried on and off for six months but couldn’t kick her party girl habit.

    ‘I was afraid I would never have a good social life or fun again. But that was an illusion. No one cares what is in your glass,’ she said.

    ‘So I kept going back to it.’ 

    Then one day she woke up in a Melbourne hotel room – looked across at the window and ‘realised why they don’t open’.

    ‘I was hungover and felt the urge to jump,’ she said.

    She said she was drinking to ‘deal with decisions’ she had made.

    ‘Alcohol is really hard to give up on with will power alone. it is the most addictive, dangerous and widely available drug in the world.’

    She called her friend that day and she took her to a 12 step recovery meeting.

    Amanda said she would drink on weekends - often enjoying a bottle of champagne before blacking out

    Amanda said she would drink on weekends – often enjoying a bottle of champagne before blacking out 

    It has been five years and she hasn’t picked up alcohol since.

    ‘I didn’t want to die. In reality I could have committed suicide, been hit by a car or gone off with someone at any time,’ she said.

    Amanda never had to go to rehab or hospital because of her alcohol habit but admits she probably would have ended up there if she hadn’t stuck to the program.

    In recovery she learned to face the problems she had been trying to numb out with alcohol.

    Once she had been clean for a few years her psychologist was also able to diagnose her with bipolar. She explained people with bi-polar often turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication because it stops them from feeling all of their feelings.

    ‘I couldn’t bear to be with myself. I couldn’t change my life and I didn’t know what was wrong with me,’ she said.

    ‘I was a mess and I feel really sad for the person I was.’

    Amanda believes she is a better person inside and out since ditching booze.

    ‘I used to have a huge temper but haven’t raised my voice in years,’ she said proudly.

    ‘I make better choices now.’

    Amanda says people ‘all have something’ they are addicted to.

    ‘Whether it is shopping, sex, exercise, drugs, alcohol, work it is always to mask whatever is going on in the inside.’ 

    In 2022, Amanda told Stellar Magazine that she is ‘ashamed’ of her former career and has changed her ways after being diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.

    ‘Now the fog has started to clear, I am ashamed of some of my choices, especially about going public,’ she said. 

    ‘I don’t recognise the woman who did that and it’s mortifying for me.’ 

    She went on: ‘I am not blaming my bipolar or saying it was all down to my bipolar at all. But would I have made those choices if I was diagnosed and medicated? Most likely I wouldn’t have been so public about it’. 

    Amanda says that creating her alter ego Samantha X ‘was a way of dealing with certain trauma in my life’ and she felt she was ‘acting’ when engaging that side of herself. 

    ‘So there you go, you can be fit, booze free and all the rest, but never, ever be complacent. Get checked out NOW if you have a sneaking suspicion something is wrong. Your body doesn’t lie.

    ‘Thank you to Dr Jordan McGrath from NSW Cardiology & Prof Rajesh Subbiah at St Vincent’s Clinic.’

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