Rockhampton’s Maggie Allridge to head to World Dwarf Games in Germany

At just 10 years old, a Rockhampton girl will be on the world stage when she dons the green and gold of Australia at the World Dwarf Games in Germany.

10-year-old Maggie Allridge is one of eight kids from across the country who will represent Australia at the World Dwarf Games being held in Cologne, Germany.

Growing up, Rockhampton’s Maggie Allridge was given a head start running against her classmates, never running a race against other short-statured kids like herself.

But that all changed when she took part in the Short Statured Sports Australia Sports Day last year.

Now the 10-year-old is hitting the world stage and donning the green and gold after booking herself a spot at the World Dwarf Games being held in Cologne, Germany.

Maggie, who has achondroplasia, is one of eight kids from across the country chosen to represent Australia at the games.

It’s the first time Australia will enter a junior team in the event.

Maggie will travel to the games with her mum Krysten Thompson and her big brother Archer.

Maggie will wear the green and gold while competing in basketball, soccer and athletics, and has honed her skills on the court, field, and track with local clubs in Rockhampton.

She said being able to represent Australia was a “dream come true”.

“I’ve been practising for the games and play for Titans Basketball, Frenchville Junior Football, and run with North Rockhampton Little Athletics,” she said.

“I am looking forward to competing against the other countries, but I’m most excited about seeing so many people like me.”

Maggie’s mum Krysten said selectors were impressed with her daughter’s performance at the sports day.

“The SSSA selectors were particularly impressed with Maggie’s speed and offered her a position on the Australian team on the spot,” she said.

Since November the family have been fundraising to help with the costs of travel to Germany.

Part of the fundraising efforts so far have included making and selling about 200 tie-dyed t-shirts to family, friends and supporters.

But the efforts won’t stop there.

“To further raise funds, we’ll host a Morning Tea for Maggie at the Frenchville Sports Club on Sunday June 4,” said Krysten.

“We’d love for as many people as possible to buy a ticket to the Morning Tea and support Maggie’s WDG trip.

“If any local businesses would like to support us with a raffle prize donation, we’d be thrilled.”

Maggie will head to the official training for the Australian WDG team on June 23 at the Gold Coast Performance Centre.

Tickets for the morning tea are available online or donations can be made to support Maggie’s trip on her Australian Sports Foundation profile.