A SIMPLE request has resulted in a Bremer teenager taking out a national young achiever award.
It started when asking for the Jets rugby league draw, followed by an invitation to meet the players, and finally work experience in the home games’ scoreboard hot seat.
Tyson Turner-Thomas has Mixed Spastic Dystonic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy.
However, that has not stopped the 17-year-old with a passion for all things rugby league earning himself a Life Without Barriers award.
The award recognises an outstanding youth who has contributed to the community or taken on new personal challenges and achieved their goals.
In Tyson’s case, it was his work experience role with the Stockland Ipswich Jets that captured the judges’ eyes.
Jets CEO Wayne Wendt said Tyson approached the club seeking work experience as part of his school curriculum.
“Because our club generally deals with elite athletes our dilemma was how we could assist Tyson and what could he do for the Jets,” Wendt said.
“But we soon found him the perfect role, assisting the ground announcer and scorer which requires confidence, considerable concentration, quick responses to game outcomes and a keen understanding of football.”
During a Jets home game, Tyson can be found chatting to some of Ipswich’s high-profile community members and high-fiving Jets ground announcer Jacko Lyons, especially when his team scores.
Tyson is involved in the team’s recovery process, attending the players’ dressing room after a game where the boys may ask him to beat the bin during the victory song.
“He’s become an invaluable member of the club,” Wendt said.
“We’ll certainly be using his services for season 2014.”
Family friend Bev Cooper said she was “amazingly proud of this polite young man who had touched everyone’s heart”.
“Tyson has never let his condition get him down and he has not been angry about his disability,” Mrs Cooper said.
“He had a dream of one day playing a sport at the Paralympics, but did not know how to do this.
“About three years ago he watched an inspirational movie about one man with a disability who had achieved so much and Tyson understood he too could achieve many things.
“From that day onwards he has set himself goals.
“Tyson has changed and is trying so hard to now do the best he can and is learning every day that he can overcome obstacles that come along and has gained more confidence in himself.
“This award recognises that and he fully deserves this.”
Thanks to QT , for more http://www.qt.com.au/news/tysons-deserved-award/2105375/