Guest guest Posted October 7, 2009 Report Share Posted October 7, 2009 Teen hoop dreams By Bridie Byrne http://www.starnewsgroup.com.au/story/80768 A brave Hoppers Crossing teenager is on a mission to form a wheelchair basketball team in Werribee. Three times a week Ella Sabljak, 17, travels to Geelong to participate in the sport that has allowed her to increase her fitness, but now she wants to have a team in her community. Hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy has been eating away at her muscle tissue, leaving her with no feeling in her ankles or toes. She has undergone 13 surgeries in an attempt to delay the devastating effects. " The surgeries are not a cure but are to prolong what will happen eventually, " she said. " It's for tender release to make my life easier, to be able to walk, even if it is just for now. " Ella said as the illness degenerates it could leave her constricted to a wheelchair. The condition was diagnosed at two years of age after she had trouble walking. " I can walk short distances but I get fatigue very quickly, " she said. Ella said she had started looking for funding to support a Werribee-based wheelchair basketball team. " We are wanting to raise money for wheelchairs…they cost $35,000, " she said. She will also meet the YMCA and hand out flyers to garner support. Ella said Wyndham offered no opportunities for people wanting to compete in the wheelchair basketball. " We are trying to get people involved in a social group and then in regional competitions, " she said. She will hold a come-and-try day on 11 October between 2pm and 4pm at Werribee Sports and Fitness Centre. Anyone is welcome to join. For more information phone 0400 306 570. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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