Disability Sports Australia (DSA) has named child disability advocate Emily Prior as the organisation’s Youth Ambassador.
Prior was formally recognised on International Day of People with a Disability, December 3, 2018.
Prior was born with Cerebral Palsy and has since become one of Australia’s most recognisable disability advocates, despite only being 11 years of age. Having also appeared in Target Kids’ recent advertising campaign, Prior is helping change the way people in Australia view, perceive and react to people with a disability.
Disability Sports Australia’s CEO Jenni Cole said she believes Emily is the right choice for DSA’s first ever ambassador.
“Emily was a fantastic Youth Ambassador at the GIO 2018 IWRF Wheelchair Rugby World Championship in August this year,” said Cole. “She is incredibly eloquent and got involved wherever possible. With her passion for getting active and for wheelchair rugby, we really see Emily as a great fit for our organisation. We are delighted to have her join the team.”
Cole added that as a national organisation, it is important DSA has representation across the country.
“DSA aims to help more people with a disability be more active more often, from early childhood to our seniors. As a national organisation, it is important that we have representation across the country in that message, so with Emily based in Western Australia she is able to bring that perspective, as well as what is important for young girls and women, and youth with a disability.
“Emily’s message that “Wheelchair Rugby is not just a boy sport”, and her willingness to talk to anyone about how sport can change lives for people with a disability, will really help us get those messages out,” said Cole.
Prior’s mother Jen Prior reciprocated Cole’s sentiments.
“Seeing Emily so engaged in the community through her participation in sport and recreational opportunities is really exciting and so important to us and to her,” she said.
“We are so thankful to organisations like Disability Sports Australia, who develop and engage sports participation and recreational opportunities for people with disabilities.”