A teenager, a motivational speaker and a para-athlete; Cory Crombie is rising above adversity and with support from the City of Albany has been visiting local schools to share his inspirational story.
Not only an inspiration but an individual on a mission to share that inspiration with the Albany community.
During BMX training in December 2017 Cory misread a landing, flipping over his handlebars and falling on his back.
His vertebra punctured his spinal cord and he lost feeling from his waist down. Extensive rehab has meant Cory is able to use a wheelchair which has led to Cory becoming a para-athlete and training to compete in wheelchair racing at the next Commonwealth Games and Paralympics.
The City partnered with Cory to visit local schools and deliver his message of hope, perspective, hardwork and opportunity to students, with a game of wheelchair basketball to challenge them.
Cory visited seven schools in May, speaking with more than 250 students with the aim to educate young people on the impacts of disability and overcoming challenges. Cory’s story intends to empower young people to develop resilience, compassion, sense of belonging and purpose and improve understanding of disability and respect for people living with a disability in our community.
Community Development Coordinator Tammy Flett said the City was honoured to support Cory to tell his story to local young people.
“Cory’s story inspires all that hear it,” she said.
“It is easy for our young people to get caught up in a life of exams, part-time work, friends, family and study so offering them something to give them perspective and motivation is a big win.
“The City and Cory ran a number of wheelchair basketball sessions for schools which was a huge success, and certainly isn’t as easy as it might look.”
