Graham is bowling them over

Published On: 2 August 2019Categories: News

Whether shooting hoops playing basketball, bowling a 252 personal best, or relaxing at yoga, Graham Cleland will give anything a go.

This can-do attitude has seen the Kingston local win gold in the singles bowling at the recent Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi.

Graham also placed silver in the team event and bronze in the bowling doubles.

For more than 25 years Graham, who has autism, has enjoyed bowling, but this is the first time winning at the Special Olympics.

When he’s not knocking down the pins with his friends he trains at basketball once a week, has started to attend yoga, and gets in the water for swimming exercises to maintain his fitness.

Graham’s busy schedule is maintained thanks to funding from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Graham received assistance to apply for and implement his funding from Carers Queensland’s NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Logan region.

Mum Catherine said while Graham lives independently and receives support to shop and cook meals, her own health prevents her from taking him to training and other activities.

“Accessing the NDIS makes things easier for both Graham and my family. It’s a real help being able to access funding to ensure Graham is still active and enjoying what he does,” Catherine said.

Since completing his sporting dream Graham has retired from representative sport and is now turning his attention to other pursuits.

“Graham is going to go out and have fun more, go to fun festivals and travel with the family around Australia.”

Catherine is full of praise for the role Carers Queensland Local Area Coordination has played in helping Graham’s dreams come true.

“Our Local Area Coordinator, Janine, is amazing and fully supports us while making things easy to understand.”

Carers Queensland can support you to find out more about the NDIS, to apply for the scheme and to help you get started with your NDIS plan.

If you have a disability but are not eligible for the NDIS, Carers Queensland can also help you identify and link to options for support in your community.

To find out more about how the NDIS and Local Area Coordinator program can work for you, visit Carers Queensland NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner in the Community Program for the Logan region at Level 1, 6 Ewing Road, Logan Central or call 3441 3600.

You can also contact Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636, or cq.enquiries@ndis.gov.au