A VISIT to his speech therapist put Manly local Tristan Clark on the path to selection in Queensland's indoor cricket intellectual disability team.
The 49-year-old told his speech therapist about his dream of playing cricket and after a few trials now finds himself on the Queensland indoor team to tour Melbourne in 2021.
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His mother Gail Clark said he had played on the same cricket team as his siblings when they lived in Perth but found it difficult to find a place to play when they moved to Queensland.
"Tristan told his speech therapist and he was able to follow it up," Ms Clark said.
"I took Tristan to two indoor games to watch (and) from there the manager asked if Tristan was interested in joining the Lord Taverners cricket team. Tristan then had a trial that went well."
Ms Clark said her son's passion had always been to join a cricket team but he never expected to be picked at the national level.
"Tristan's psychologist and speech therapist have been fantastic working with Tristan and helping him get started with cricket," she said.
"Since Tristan has been attending regular speech therapy and psychology, the help they have been able to continue with has been fantastic. They have gone above and beyond to assist him."
Mr Clark, who suffered hypoxic brain damage at birth, is also accessing the National Disability Insurance Scheme to help him get to cricket training.
"Tristan is being supported to help him get out and about," Ms Clark said.
"Even his siblings are so happy for him and help to make sure he can get to his practise games if his support worker or myself are unable.
"We are so happy to see him express his feelings and enjoyment. Photos are always taken and he shares these with his therapists."
Mr Clark received assistance from Carers Queensland's NDIS Local Area Coordination Partner to apply for and use his scheme funding.
"If it was not for all the help we get from NDIS, Tristan would not have had the chance to be picked for the Lord Taverners cricket team.
"Carers Queensland have been so helpful in their support, giving Tristan the opportunity to get himself back into sports and being able to get support for all his help."
Those with a disability can enquire about the scheme by calling 3565 8600 or contacting Carers Queensland on 1300 999 636.
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