From isolation to empowerment: Mark's journey to freedom through inclusive sports
When Mark Stephenson learned his mind and body were failing him, his life as a devoted father and active community member was forever changed.
He received a diagnosis of Young Onset Lewy Body Dementia (YOLBD), following an earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease.
His long career as a firefighter came to an abrupt end, and hobbies he once cherished, such as riding motorbikes, became suddenly out of reach.
'That's what the doctor told me — unfortunately, you won't be able to do your job anymore, and you can't drive home,' recalls Stephenson.
'In an instant, my life, which was once filled with activity and purpose, became very small.'
When a person is diagnosed with both Young Onset Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease, often symptoms are overlapping, complicating their management.
Experts suggest this combination diagnoses may result in a quicker deterioration of cognitive and motor functions.
Patients face a range of symptoms including physical stiffness, tremors, memory loss and hallucinations.
Stephenson found himself in the grips of despair, feeling directionless and isolated.
'I made endless phone calls to charities and local organisations hoping to volunteer or find recreational activities, but I was turned away every time,' he explained.
'Each rejection felt harder to cope with than the initial diagnosis.
'It was disheartening, causing me to retreat further into myself.'
Everything changed when he stumbled upon a social media post from Sporting Wheelies, an organisation focused on promoting inclusive sports for individuals with disabilities.
Encouraged by his wife, he decided to give wheelchair basketball a try, despite his fears of being rejected again.
'The first time I sat in that sports wheelchair, I felt a rush of freedom — the kind I hadn't felt in years.
'I called it my 'motorbike feeling.
'It was a game changer,' he shares, his eyes lighting up with excitement.
'Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a diverse group of people, all unified by a shared love for sport.
'Once in the chair, no one noticed it; we were simply a group of individuals playing basketball together.'
Stephenson's journey reveals a broader issue: while over 1 in 5 Australians live with a disability — approximately 5.5 million people — opportunities to engage in sports are still limited.
According to Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies, only 25 per cent of people with disabilities currently participate in sports, despite 75 per cent expressing a strong desire to get involved.
'The reality is there aren't enough accessible sports programs, particularly in regional areas,' Cross states.
'Many clubs lack the resources and knowledge to be truly inclusive, making it difficult for individuals to engage fully in sports activities.'
Barriers extend beyond physical access; ingrained societal attitudes and stereotypes also play a role.
'Many people with disabilities aren't seen as athletes,' Cross points out.
'Changing community perceptions is crucial for fostering an inclusive sporting environment.'
Organisations like Sport4All are also working towards dismantling these barriers, providing training and support to community sports clubs to ensure they can accommodate individuals with varying abilities.
National Manager of Sport4All, Carl Partridge, emphasises understanding the spectrum of disabilities is essential for creating inclusive environments.
'Disability isn't always visible,' he said.
'Financial constraints and preconceived notions can unintentionally exclude many individuals from participating in sports.'
Stephenson's involvement in sports has not just provided an opportunity for physical activity, it has also delivered a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
'Through sport, I discovered a supportive community,' he added, reflecting on his experiences with Sporting Wheelies.
'I found friends and purpose again, which has been invaluable for my mental health.'
Today, he actively participates in wheelchair basketball, cricket, and AFL, reclaiming his joy, confidence, and meaningful connections.
As the financial year ends, Sporting Wheelies urges Australians to donate before June 30.
Every contribution is 100 per cent tax-deductible.
'Every gift helps! With the right support, we can bring inclusive sport to communities, but we can't do it alone,' said Cross.
'$500 trains a Disability Sport Officer. $1000 helps bring a new sport to a remote town.'
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