Meet Amèlie.

Amèlie was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). For her mother, Cally, it was a moment of both fear and so much unknown.

“When we discovered that Amèlie had Smith-Magenis Syndrome, we were told all the things she might never do. We read research papers filled with limitations, the worst-case scenarios. It was overwhelming.”

At that moment, sport wasn’t even something they dared to dream about. The family’s focus was simply surviving each day, unsure of what the future would hold.

But Amèlie’s journey was just beginning. In her early teens, she discovered something that would change her life forever: an inclusive local sports club.

And everything shifted.

For the first time, Amèlie found herself surrounded by a community that saw her potential. Here, she was more than just a young girl with a disability. She was a teammate and an athlete.

Through sport, Amèlie discovered confidence, independence and joy. Things that had once seemed impossible.

Sport didn’t just become part of Amèlie’s life; it shaped it. It gave her purpose and a sense of belonging.  

And it didn’t stop there. Her passion for sport carried her all the way to the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, where she proudly wore green and gold, representing her country on the world stage.

But here’s the thing: Amèlie’s story isn’t unique. There are thousands of young people across Victoria with disabilities who have yet to discover what sport could do for them. They’re told it may not be possible. They’re told the odds are stacked against them.  

With your help, we can change that. We can help more young people like Amèlie find their momentum. We can give them the opportunity to dream, to thrive and to believe in themselves.

Your donation can help create life-changing opportunities for young people with disabilities.

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