On top of studying for his HSC, Year 12 student James Hunt (12/KL) is a member of The Pararoos – the country’s national soccer team for players with cerebral palsy and other acquired brain injuries. After being selected for the team 18 months ago, James now faces the chance to represent Australia in the World Championship qualifier in Denmark, but since losing their Australian Sport Commission funding in 2014, not only have the Pararoos’ hopes of getting to the tournament been dashed, but their chances of survival as a team have diminished as well. In light of this, James and his team mates are on a campaign to raise $160,000 to make it to Denmark and save the Pararoo soccer program from being abolished and they need your help!

With 37,000 people across Australia living with cerebral palsy and 700,000 living with acquired brain injury, the Pararoo’s aim to improve the social and mental wellbeing of those living with disabilities and provide an opportunity for those with a disability to aspire to sporting greatness. As James said, “it’s not only the pride I have representing my country, friends and family, it’s also that you can become someone and be a role model to younger kids trying to find their way in life with a disability.”

Congrats to James for representing his country and our best wishes for his team’s fundraising efforts! If you would like to help ensure the survival of this remarkable and inspirational soccer team, donate by clicking here.