Alexa Leary launches Paralympics Australia’s fundraising appeal with Miami Fish Market
Australian swimming golden girl Alexa Leary is joining forces with a small business in a jaw-dropping new partnership.
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Swimming golden girl Alexa Leary is throwing her support behind a major fundraiser to help fellow para-athletes chase their dreams of wearing the green and gold.
Leary and the Gold Coast’s Miami Fish Market are teaming up to raise funds for Paralympics Australia’s annual appeal to support athletes’ training and send them to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
The former junior world-class triathlete who suffered a life-threatening brain injury in a horror road cycling training accident on the Sunshine Coast in 2021 said para-swimming had completely changed her life “not only as an athlete but as a person”.
The 23-year-old won gold at the Paris Paralympic Games last year in the 100m freestyle S9 in world record time.
“It has given me a sense of purpose and confidence,” she said.
“I’ve built resilience by pushing through challenges, both in and out of the water.
“Paralympics Australia has been right behind me on my swimming journey, providing support to compete at a high level and connect with other para-athletes, who inspire and push me to improve every day.
“It’s been a dream come true and I want to make sure the next generation of paralympians can follow their dreams as well.”
Paralympics Australia CEO Cameron Murray said very few people realise it was a charity.
“While we do receive support from government and corporate partners, we rely on fundraising and donations from the community to enable us to create more opportunities for Australia’s para-athletes,” he said.
“We’re working across the Australian sport system to identify more potential athletes with disability and to provide access to classification, training and development.”
Fallon Gloftis, who has owned the Miami Fish Market for almost four years with husband Paul, said Leary was a “Gold Coast icon”.
“We have so much admiration for Alexa and her family,” she said.
“If I’m ever having a bad day, I just think of what she has gone through and it’s incredible what she has done.”
Mrs Gloftis said 10 per cent of sales from selected products would be donated to Paralympics Australia throughout June.
“They can also donate in store and online through out fundraiser,” she said.
“We’re so keen to get behind Alexa and help her and her teammates compete in the Paralympics.”
Mr Murrary said para-sport had the power to change lives.
“The Leary family is a great example, one of many within the para-sport community and many more we want to make happen,” he said.
To support Paralympics Australia, donate at paralympic.org.au.
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Originally published as Alexa Leary launches Paralympics Australia’s fundraising appeal with Miami Fish Market
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