Australian of the Day Sienna Richards raised $26,500 for the YMCA’s disabled swim programs

FIFTEEN year old student Sienna Richards knows better than most just how much difference swimming can make for wheelchair users.

Sienna Richards helped raise $26,500 for the YMCA’s disabled swim programs at the Top End Swimathon.

THIS year disabled children in Darwin will get the opportunity to dive in to remedial swimming lessons thanks to Sienna Richards. In March the 15 year old schoolgirl helped raise $26,500 for the YMCA’s disabled swim programs at the Top End Swimathon.

Sienna’s effort — a gruelling 4km hit out in the pool — was made more challenging by the cerebral palsy that has robbed her of the use of her legs.

For Sienna though, the epic swim was a labour of love.

“It’s important to help other people when you can,” says today’s Australian of the Day. “I know how disabled children feel. I can relate to them and I know how much a difference swimming can make in their life.”

Sienna was just three when she started going to the local pool with her mum. As she grew older, the effects of her cerebral palsy became worse but Sienna’s commitment in the pool deepened. “Nowadays I can’t move my legs very much and I have balance problems,” she explains. “But when I get in the water, it’s like I transform. I can stand up and I’m not stuck in a wheelchair. I’m free!”

Today Sienna trains two to three times a week and last year won gold at the Pacific School Games. Despite such success Sienna says she’s not competitive enough to aim for the Paralympics. Not that she isn’t aiming high. “I see my role in the future as inspiring other people with disabilities,” she says. “I’ve always felt a desire to help others and make people happy so that’s what I plan to do.”

CommBank has partnered with News Corp Australia to champion the Australian of the Day initiative which celebrates people in our neighbourhoods and communities who really make a difference to how we live and who we are. You can read all their stories at australianoftheday.com.au, where you can also nominate someone you know.