My name is Luke David. I’m 34 years old and I live with Nemaline Myopathy. I’ve used a powerchair and a ventilator to support my breathing since I was 3 years old.

I was first introduced to powerchair sport in 2005 at a Muscular Dystrophy Australia camp. Since then, the sport has shaped almost every part of my life.

I have represented Victoria for many years, competed at Asia Pacific Oceania Cups in 2013 and 2025, and have been part of the Melbourne City Powerchair team since 2015. I have also captained the team and helped lead Melbourne City Powerchair to a National Championship in 2025.

In 2026, I have been selected to represent Australia in both Powerchair Hockey and Powerchair Football. In May, I will compete with the Australian Sliders at the Powerchair Hockey World Championships in Finland. In October, I have also been selected in the Australian Powerchair Football squad for the World Cup in Argentina. This means 2026 could see me compete at my third and fourth World Cups wearing the green and gold, having previously represented Australia in Italy in 2018 for Powerchair Hockey and in Sydney in 2023 for Powerchair Football.

To represent Australia once is something I am proud of. To now have the opportunity to do it again across two sports in the same year is something I do not take for granted. Powerchair sport has given me far more than competition. It led to my first job, helped me build a business, gave me the confidence to present in front of large groups, and introduced me to lifelong friendships and a strong community. It has also played a major role in my personal life, including getting married and becoming a father.

Growing up, I never imagined sport would open up this many opportunities. It has given me purpose, direction, confidence and a strong sense of belonging. I am proud of what I have achieved, but I am also driven to keep pushing what is possible. Competing internationally comes with significant cost. Like many athletes in disability sport, we do not receive the funding needed to cover all travel, accommodation, tournament and preparation expenses.

In my case, the costs are higher because I need to travel with a support worker. I also rely on specialised equipment that needs to be maintained, transported and repaired to make sure I can compete safely and at the level required.

Funds raised will help cover:

• Flights and accommodation for myself and my support worker
• Tournament and team-related costs
• Interstate training and preparation
• Specialised equipment, maintenance and repairs
• Other travel-related expenses connected to international competition

Any support, whether financial or in-kind, will make a meaningful difference and help me represent Australia in 2026.

I am also happy to give a presentation or speak with businesses, schools, clubs or community groups about my experiences in sport, disability, leadership and what powerchair sport has made possible in my life.

I will be sharing the journey along the way. Thank you to everyone who chooses to support me.