Makayla Plain nominated for Local Sport Stars
Willmot’s Makayla Plain — and her twin sister Katelyn — are excelling as part of the Mt Druitt Lions’ Try Time team, a rugby league side for kids with learning difficulties and disabilities.
The Standard
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WILLMOT’S Makayla Plain has been nominated for a Local Sports Star Award in the individual spirit category for her outstanding commitment to the Mt Druitt Lions Rugby League Club’s Try Time team.
Having never played a sport before, Makayla joined Try Time this season, a team for players with autism and other disabilities.
Despite initial hesitations about playing a team sport, Makayla, 7, has a perfect training attendance record, helped by her grandmother Peta Kennedy, who brings her along every week with her twin sister Katelyn.
Looking for a way for her twin granddaughters to expend their energy, Mrs Kennedy discovered the Try Time team through Rap 4 Change, a Mt Druitt youth organisation which implemented the program at the club.
“The team has a fantastic coach and it’s been so great for the girls,” Mrs Kennedy said. “It doesn’t matter what is put in front of Makayla, she always gets out there and has fun.”
Coach Danielle Froio said Try Time’s youngest player had come a long away.
“She’s a trooper; she’s never played footy before and when she came to us she was hesitant but quickly, she just started listening,” she said.
Despite her learning difficulties, her coach said Makayla always listened, focused and participated in the sport.
The awards are on until August 31. Prizes will be awarded to athletes aged 18 and under across four categories: Junior Sports Star Individual, Junior Sports Star Team, Young Sporting Spirit Individual and Young Sporting Spirit Team. There is also a Service To Sport category. Details: localsportsstars.com.au/newslocal