Gemma is a full-time wheelchair user, born with cerebral palsy. She applied to the Transition Fund to help progress her promising sporting career and improve her access to the sporting community.
The money is being used to assist with the costs of travelling to and from competitions, making it easier for Gemma to continue to compete in her chosen sports of Basketball and Rugby. She was also able to purchase a brand-new light-weight wheelchair that is much more suited to taking part in sporting events. She said: “Receiving funding has had a really positive impact on my life. The money has enabled me to be much more independent and depend less on my mum. The money from ILF Scotland has meant that I am able to work towards achieving my goals on and off court. It will definitely enable me to take more opportunities to improve my sports performance and help me work towards playing wheelchair rugby at the highest level.”
Now in her second year at Abertay University studying sport and exercise, Gemma has her sights firmly set on competing for GB. With the help of the Transition Fund this dream is well on its way to becoming a reality. “People with a disability can accomplish just as much as anyone else, but sometimes they just need a little bit of support. I would really encourage everyone who is eligible to apply, the application process is simple and easy to understand, and everyone involved with the fund is very supportive. The Transition Fund is hugely beneficial and can really help to enhance a person’s life.”
