Star Walker’s inclusiveness, warmth and welcome has given a Pan Pacific Masters Games (PPMG) vision impaired debutant the confidence to play netball and experience high action sport she thought she’d never enjoy again.
When Suzanne Worland was diagnosed with Macular Tel Type 2 seven years ago, she was told her sight would be okay until she was in her late 60’s or older.
Just four short years later her world came crashing down as the disease took hold and her vision deteriorated taking with it her driving license, job and crushingly, her independence.
The active and otherwise healthy fifty-three-year-old Sue went through what she recalls as a “grieving process”.
And as she navigated her way through her new world struggling with the loss of her freedom, she came to the realisation that she had to “focus on what I can do and not what I can’t do.”
Whilst not a sport recognised for persons with a disability, walking netball is an alternative to the traditional game reducing the risk of injury and promoting a non-threatening environment for play.
Sue was welcomed with open arms into a team that plays twice weekly at Queensland’s Nissan Arena.
Playing a few games, she enjoyed being back on the court especially the camaraderie, but her confidence was at an all-time low impacting her commitment and motivation.
She put it down to the new lack of freedom in her life and the ongoing grieving process along with COVID and the lockdowns which made everything so much harder.
But Sue’s team had other ideas about their new pal sitting on the sidelines and approached her in May this year inviting her to be a part of their team for PPMG this year.
Sue admitted that initially it was scary, and she was stressed about playing competitively with the team. She questioned her ability but really wanted to give it a go encouraged by fantastic and welcoming teammates.
Playing goal shooter and sometimes goal attack Sue admits to not being able to see the ball but can see colours and outlines.
“The team is very aware of my vision impairment, but they really don’t treat me any differently.
“As I’ve played so much before I can go by what the players are doing – it’s a kind of muscle memory,” Sue says.
“These women (teammates) should be celebrated for their inclusivity. This is not a disability sport but they welcomed me and it’s given me back so much confidence.”
Sue will travel to PPMG with her support worker, Joanne Osborne who will be on the sidelines during the walking netball competition and helping Sue during her weeklong stay on the Gold Coast.
“Joanne is important to me. She gives me confidence and I know she 100% has my back.”
“I’m really looking forward to enjoying the Games Village, the sense of community and just being one of the players.
“I love the competition but it’s about meeting like-minded people, “a very excited Sue concludes.
And right in the middle of PPMG she is heading back to Boonah’s Queensland Moto Park for the day to accept her ‘Riding Blind Project’ graduation certificate having completed the motorcycle riding course for people with vision impairment – an experience she says was epic. “Riding Blind Project is the bomb, just awesome. “
The 2022 Pan Pacific Masters Games return after a four-year pandemic-induced break with 11 non-stop days of sport and entertainment and a new ‘Big Top’ Games Village at Kurrawa Park at Broadbeach.
People wanting more information on the Games can visit www.mastersgames.com.au
They are organised by Events Management Queensland and are proudly supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland, and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
