Hi Everyone,

Many of you know me, but for those who don't, I'm Martyn Ford, a wheelchair badminton player with a goal to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024; and a mission to inspire other disabled people that you can achieve your dreams, regardless of your disability.

With zero funding for disabled athletes from the Australian Government, I have to be entirely self-funded. Not even entry fees are covered! As you can imagine, the costs add up very quickly - airfares, accommodation, coaching, equipment, court hire, physio, etc. The overall expenses are huge, and I’ve already spent over $25k to date. 

So, I'm reaching out to you, my amazing community. If you can, please consider supporting me on my journey to Paris 2024. No amount is too small and every dollar will help.

MY ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE -

• First Australian WH1 International Medal 
• First Australian Doubles International Wheelchair Medal
• First Australian Mixed-Doubles International Wheelchair Medal

ROAD TO PARIS RANKINGS (as of Aug 2023) - 

• WH1 Singles - 20th in the world (highest ranking Aussie)
• Wheelchair Doubles (with fellow Aussie, Grant Manzoney) - 16th (highest ranking Aussies)

MY STORY - 

My life changed in July 2012 when a freak accident left me with no movement from the neck down. But I chose to not let it define me. Instead, I fought back. Through years of rehabilitations and countless hospital visits, I regained movement from my belly button up, and turned a life-altering ordeal into an opportunity to inspire others.

In 2021, I faced another major challenge. A disc slipped, cutting my spinal cord again at the C4 and C5 level. This required another major, life-saving surgery. It felt like being back to square one, with nothing from the neck down. But I had already fought this battle once before, and I was ready to do it again. I pushed through, regained my previous functionality, even though the sensation in my hands was affected more.

In May 2022, my passion for sports led me to wheelchair AFL, and by January 2023, I found my love for wheelchair badminton. Since then, I haven't looked back. I play internationally and am committed to growing the sport within our community.

I organise free events, inviting all to give wheelchair sports a try, and connecting them to our amazing community. My mission? To show that disabilities aren't barriers but a chance to redefine what's possible.

PERSONAL DONATIONS - 

Every dollar counts, and will allow me to enter more tournaments - the more tournaments I play, the better my chance of qualifying for the Paralympics. I appreciate each and every donation.

COMPANY SPONSORSHIP - 

I have limited company sponsorship packages available, including advertising on my clothing, as well as motivational talks. Please contact me at martynford76@gmail.com if you would like more information.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and for being a part of my journey. Together, we can break barriers and inspire many more to chase their dreams, no matter the odds.

Martyn Ford