Jaime-Lee Getson is aiming to represent Australia at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Japan.
The 16-year-old was born premature at 25 weeks, and as a result has an intellectual disability.
But Melton’s own is a force to be reckoned with.
While the opportunities for swimmers with an intellectual disabilities are limited at the Paralympics, Jaime-Lee knows she can show what a great swimmer she is.
“The only thing that matters is that you train to be better than yourself yesterday,” she says.
She has a long list of goals for the next 12 months, including “getting stronger”, swimming in state championships in Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane, and representing Victoria at the Pacific School Games in Adelaide.
“But most importantly, to have fun with my swimming and being grateful for the support that I get from my mum and step dad, coach and Melton Swimming Club,” Jaime-Lee says.
She hopes to attract sponsors for one of her most immediate goals – representing Australia at the INAS Global Games in Ecuador next month for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Jamie-Lee’s mother, Leanne, says the INAS Global Games is the pinnacle of international competition for almost all swimmers [and other sports people] with an intellectual disability.
There is no government assistance so Swim4Causes, a community fundraising swimming event, is hoping to attract sponsors and donations to help Jaime-Lee get to INAS.
To sponsor Jaime-Lee, visit www.mycause.com.au/events/swim4causes
