By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Champion Geelong para-athlete Richard Colman had just finished his second training session for the day but was still happy to talk about one of his passions – grass roots sport.
For an athlete who has reached such highs, Colman bubbles with enthusiasm for local clubs.
The Paralympic Games and world championships gold medallist is about to head to Europe as he chases his dream of competing at Rio later this year.
He has two races in Switzerland and one in London to achieve the qualifying time that eluded him during the Australian domestic season due to ill health.
“The pressure is on,” Colman confessed.
“It’s all down to that week in Europe, but that’s the kind of situation that can motivate you,” he said.
The para coach for Athletics Victoria said that there was even more motivation in the quality of juniors coming through the para ranks as more schools and sporting clubs offer a wider variety of activities.
“There’s great depth and fantastic juniors coming through in the para fields,” Colman said.
“I’m always going to schools where students don’t know what is available for them. There is one local girl who had no idea and is amazing now.
“Getting them involved is the hardest bit, but in the last few years we have double the number of teams at primary school level.”
Colman is an ambassador for the Thermoskin Community Sports Fund which makes grants of up to $1500 available to clubs and individuals.
“The number of applications is growing as more clubs know about it. It’s open for all clubs, not just elite sports.
“We have a great cross section of sports, like ice hockey, figure skating, lawn bowls, roller derby clubs, all applying.
“A little bit of money can help a lot for a local club, whether it is to buy uniforms or improve the training for coaches.
“If you improve the coaching and have more coaches, you always increase the participation, and that’s what it’s all about, getting involved.”
Colman said sports participation made a big difference to young people’s confidence, health and outlook on life.
The Thermoskin Community Sports Fund, now in its fourth year, is open for grant nominations until 1 May at thermoskin.com/communitysportsfund.
Winners will be announced on 6 June.
