Patrick Francis - Sport 2010
All-rounder: Patrick Francis is proving a special talent at golf, swimming and tenpin bowling and hopes to compete in the Special Olympics National Games by 2014. Picture: Marco De Luca
All-rounder Patrick beats the odds
by Eugene Benson 04 May, 2010 04:00 AM
ESSENDON resident Patrick Francis is a passionate sportsman.
A keen swimmer, dedicated golfer and an up-and-coming tenpin bowler, Patrick is an all-rounder. At 18, Patrick also has an intellectual disability and is autistic. Because of this, it takes extra effort for his family to keep him involved in the games he loves so much.
In recent months, two things have changed Patrick's world. A group called Melbourne West Special Olympics was formed, and Patrick and his family received a grant from Maribyrnong MP - Bill Shorten, who is also Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Children's Services.
The Special Olympics group helps western suburbs residents with special needs and who have a passion for sport. The group organises training days and sporting events, and helps to keep mentally disabled residents active and happy.
Patrick's mother, Sandra Francis, said her son had shown great potential in swimming, and was now strutting his stuff in tenpin bowling. She said the Special Olympics group organised bowling training for her son and the grant from Mr Shorten would help cover associated costs.
"The group has been good for his social skills, discipline and communication. "[It's] a real blessing for him, and he has learnt a lot of new skills."
Although a long way off, Mrs Francis said Patrick could be a star performer at the 2014 Special Olympics, being hosted by Melbourne. "He is very competitive, he loves it. At training, he is actually very casual but then at competitions, like swimming, he gets in the water and he's raring to go," she said.
Mr Shorten said Patrick was a worthy recipient of the $500 grant.
"Success in sport is a great way to show that people with disabilities shouldn't be judged by their impairment, but by their abilities. "I'm delighted that Patrick has received this funding to help him with his sporting career."
(Patrick won the Local Sporting Championship Award – May 2010)
Moonee Valley Community News - Fairfax Newspapers - Tuesday May 4, 2010 Pg 5
http://www.mymooneevalley.com.au/news/local/news/general/allrounder-patrick-beats-the-odds/1819332.aspx
Comments on the website :
Amazing story - I'm so impressed with this young adult. I'm sure he'll inspire several others to be the best they can be.
Posted by Maria, 10/05/2010 2:15:00 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Patrick is a shining star - he makes you proud to be Australian. Keep up the good work kid.
Posted by Simon, 10/05/2010 2:25:01 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Well done Patrick - we are all so proud of you. All the best for the Regional Games at Echuca next week.
Posted by Greg, 10/05/2010 2:28:01 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Patrick - we love you and are so proud of all your achievements. You have always been a star to everyone who knows you.
Posted by Lesley, 10/05/2010 2:30:10 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Go - Patrick - go.... Shall see you on Saturday at golf. Congratulations on winning the Local Sporting Championship Award!
Posted by Kevin, 10/05/2010 2:32:47 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Great news - Patrick. I'm honoured to be your friend. You're always a pleasure to be with and a very hardworking guy. No one deserves it more.
Posted by Mark, 10/05/2010 2:35:33 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Wow Patrick - fantastic stuff. Good luck for the future.
Posted by Marilyn, 10/05/2010 2:58:35 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Lovely photo Patrick - you look very professional with those golf clubs.
Posted by Sandra, 10/05/2010 3:03:20 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Handsome guy and talented too - what a lethal combination.
Posted by Patricia, 10/05/2010 3:05:24 PM, on Moonee Valley Community News
Feel free to post a comment at the website address below:
http://www.mymooneevalley.com.au/news/local/news/general/allrounder-patrick-beats-the-odds/1819332.aspx
· 29 Mar 2010 · Moonee Valley Leader- Pg 11
Kristin Owen: To support your local athletes go to runwiththelaw.com.au and pledge a donation or register your own team for the torch run.
A flame-carrier with flair
A MULTI-TALENTED Essendon youngster will carry the Flame of Hope through the Melbourne CBD next month as part of Australia’s biggest fun run.
Patrick Francis will carry the Flame of Hope as part of the Special Olympics.
The run sees community members carry the flame along with police officers from now until April 19 through 40 cities across six states and territories.
The Run with the LAW supports Special Olympics Australia, a charity that transforms the lives of people with an intellectual disability through regular sports participation and social inclusion.
Patrick Francis, 18, is an ardent sports fan; he’s a swimmer, golfer and tenpin bowling competitor. And he’s learning tennis.
Patrick is also a talented artist, having won grants and prizes and exhibited works at Federation Square.
One of Patrick’s recent sporting achievements was an individual gold medal and team silver medal at the Tenpin Bowling State Games in Wodonga.
‘‘I love Special Olympics. I love friends and fun,’’ said Patrick, who has autism and limited speech.
His mum, Sandra Francis, said: ‘‘Patrick looks forward to the training every week and catching up with his mates.’’
Moonee Valley Leader 29 Mar 2010 Table of Contents Pg 11 NEWS SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Weblink : http://leader.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
Kristin Owen: To support your local athletes go to runwiththelaw.com.au and pledge a donation or register your own team for the torch run.
A flame-carrier with flair
A MULTI-TALENTED Essendon youngster will carry the Flame of Hope through the Melbourne CBD next month as part of Australia’s biggest fun run.
Patrick Francis will carry the Flame of Hope as part of the Special Olympics.
The run sees community members carry the flame along with police officers from now until April 19 through 40 cities across six states and territories.
The Run with the LAW supports Special Olympics Australia, a charity that transforms the lives of people with an intellectual disability through regular sports participation and social inclusion.
Patrick Francis, 18, is an ardent sports fan; he’s a swimmer, golfer and tenpin bowling competitor. And he’s learning tennis.
Patrick is also a talented artist, having won grants and prizes and exhibited works at Federation Square.
One of Patrick’s recent sporting achievements was an individual gold medal and team silver medal at the Tenpin Bowling State Games in Wodonga.
‘‘I love Special Olympics. I love friends and fun,’’ said Patrick, who has autism and limited speech.
His mum, Sandra Francis, said: ‘‘Patrick looks forward to the training every week and catching up with his mates.’’
Moonee Valley Leader 29 Mar 2010 Table of Contents Pg 11 NEWS SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Weblink : http://leader.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
See artwork for sale at :
|
Email: [email protected]
|