Media release
Member for Fairfax Clive Palmer has presented Kie Wilson-McNaught with a Sport Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding sporting contributions at state, national and international levels.
Kie (25), was diagnosed at age three with muscular dystrophy and told he would likely be wheelchair-bound by the age of six. Thankfully, Kie’s exceptional dedication and commitment to sport have delivered a more positive outcome.
In October 2014, Kie represented Queensland at the Special Olympics National Games in Melbourne, where he won two golds, one silver and two bronze medals in various athletic events. He was subsequently selected as one of only four men to represent Australia at this year’s Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles, where he achieved fourth place in shot put, sixth in the 100m sprint and fourth in the 100m relay.
In addition, Kie also competes at state level in basketball, swimming and athletics, as well as volunteering his free time to staff and students at the Sunshine Coast Riding for the Disabled at North Arm.
Kie’s mother and coach, Robyna McNaught, is confident her family’s philosophy of ‘if you stay active, you’re set for life’ prevented Kie from becoming confined to a wheelchair and gave him the determination to achieve his ambitious goals.
“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Kie and his mum whose dedication, enthusiasm and countless hours of training have paid off with performances to be proud of,” Mr Palmer said.
“It’s young Australians like Kie who serve as an inspiration to all individuals with disabilities. He is a true ambassador for the youth of Fairfax and should be very proud of his achievements to date.
“This just goes to show that anything is possible no matter what life throws at you, and I wish him every success for the future.”
The Australian Government’s Sport Achievement Award was introduced in 2002 to recognise outstanding sporting performances, achievements and contributions by community members.
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