By Harry Constable
Tim Walsh has lived a life that most people can only dream about.
He has competed at the Australian Open, the Asia Pacific Games, plus the Special Olympics. And none of this could have been achieved without the ongoing support of The Disability Trust.
The Disability Trust is a not-for-profit registered support service provider which offers individualised services, facilitating social activities and group participation through community engagement programs.
“(They offer) all different sports,” Walsh said. “We do equestrian. We do tenpin bowling, tennis, golf and basketball.”
A man of many talents, Walsh loves one sport in particular.
“My favourite is basketball,” said Walsh. “It’s my No.1.”
In 2019, Walsh competed at Australian Open for the Sport Inclusion Australia Tennis Championships, being the first competition for Category II2 for Down Syndrome. Walsh achieved some amazing results, making the final and coming away with a trophy.
Currently in training for his next competition, Walsh has the state tennis event in October followed by state basketball in November.
Walsh was recently awarded with the Special Olympics Illawarra Sportsperson of the Year for his continuous efforts and excellence in basketball and tennis.
Outside of his sporting credentials Walsh loves to be involved in community events and recently participated in the Wollongong Polar Plunge.
“The Polar Plunge was great,” Walsh said. “ It was fundraising for the Special Olympics for our regional area.”
He took the plunge on Saturday the 2nd of August at Wollongong’s Continental Pool and was able to raise a whopping $1013 for the Special Olympics.
Having been involved with The Disability Trust for over two decades, Walsh has recently taken on a mentoring role within the charity.
“I help out with the kids that have special needs at our visits to schools,” said Walsh. “I supervise the activities and help people get involved with the sports. It’s amazing. I can help people with special needs and can also offer some guidance.”
Outside of all the sport and community work, Walsh has also found employment through The Disability Trust working at The Plant Room, a cafe run by the trust providing work for those with disabilities.
Walsh works three days a week serving customers and making coffees so if you’re in need of some good old-fashioned customer service be sure to head down; Tim would love to see you there!
Featured image: Special Olympian Tim Walsh has aspirations to one day play professional basketball. Picture: Harry Constable
