Paralympic hopeful Curtis’ chances boosted by expansion of local disability sport programs

A new program for disabled athletes in Townsville has revitalised Natalie Curtis’ dream of wearing green and gold.

WHEELCHAIR basketball star Natalie Curtis is hoping a new program will prove a game-changer for disabled athletes in Townsville.

The Paralympic hopeful still remembers how hard it was for her growing up to enjoy sport in the northern region, but new opportunities are presenting themselves for juniors every day.

“When I was at school, I was left in a classroom while my peers were doing physical education,” Ms Curtis said.

“Now we’re going into schools and actually running wheelchair sport programs. It’s a huge difference.”

One of the biggest boosters not just for Curtis, but for disabled athletes in general is exercise physiologist Paige Deguara’s appointment as a Sporting Wheelies Sports Development Officer for the area.

Natalie Curtis fell just short of representing Australia during the last paralympics selection process. Picture: Alix Sweeney

The new role is set to provide a huge raft of new opportunities for disabled athletes in Townsville, with Ms Deguara targeting expansions of the wheelchair basketball, boccia and goalball sports in Townsville.

“My job is to make sure everyone’s included,” Ms Deguara said.

“My role is to facilitate pathways for individuals with disabilities and help them achieve their sporting dreams.”

In addition to providing one-on-one and group training with clients like Ms Curtis, Ms Degaura says she wants to see competitions at the standard of the bigger metro areas like Brisbane come to the North.

“If we’re able to get the same sort of facilities up here, it’ll mean that people from Charters Towers, Ayr and Ingham will finally be able to participate,” Ms Degaura said.

Ms Curtis says prior to Ms Degaura’s arrival, finding the right trainers and facilities was a constant challenge.

“I’ve always had to source my own trainer living in Townsville. It makes a huge difference to have someone experienced who can adapt and help make me a stronger athlete,” Ms Curtis said.

The training has made such an impact on Ms Curtis that she says it’s revitalised her dream of competing at the Paralympics, something she narrowly missed out on this year.
“If Paige had been around back then, I would have made it to the Paralympics,” Ms Curtis said.

“I know I didn’t make it because we don’t have the same kind of support in Townsville as in Brisbane or Sydney.

“With someone like Paige on my side, I’m going to Paris.”

Originally published as Paralympic hopeful Curtis’ chances boosted by expansion of local disability sport programs