Hi my name's Stephen Shaw, but everyone calls me
Stevie.
In 2001 I got cancer - Osteo-genic Sarcoma (Bone tumour).
It was in my growth plate of my right leg. Drs. had to amputate my
leg above my knee.
In late 2001 I met 2 guys named Brad and Justin, they were at
P.M.H. showing kids wheelchair basketball. They both were amputees
as well, but they had their knee. They invited me down to watch a
game. Mum didn't like it. She said it's too rough. I laughed.
I said I'm going to play, Mum didn't agree.
My 1st game I played she spent the whole game with her hands
over eyes. She plays too now.
On the 8th of July I was asked to go a National Development Camp
for Wheelchair Basketball. They train very hard to get you good
enough for the Paralympics. We had 4 teams, players came from all
over Australia. We had 2 days of competitions. It was my first
training camp since I started playing in 2002. It was hard work but
it was worth it. I came home with GOLD. My 1st camp and my 1st GOLD
Medal.
I will 1 day be good enough to bring home Gold for Australia.
For now I just want to keep playing and have fun. Junior Nationals
are next year, so I'll be training to hard to qualify.
I say Have fun and never give up!!