My name is Zara Perry and I am a vision-impaired 17 year old athlete. I am currently in Year 12 and other than representing Australia at the Paralympics, I dream of one day becoming a professional writer. I have been playing Goalball for over 4 years and it has helped me realise that anything is possible. I am as able as anyone of not only doing sport, but also representing my country.

I started playing Goalball because a close friend and fellow athlete recommended it, and then continued to persistently recommend it until I finally came to training and tried it for the first time. I haven’t looked back since. Playing Goalball has helped me to grow my physical strength, mental resilience and confidence. It challenges me to work hard and be courageous. It has also given me a community and an incredible feeling of belonging through working with others toward a common goal. As a team sport, Goalball fosters trust and a sense of community, which can be beneficial for all involved both on and off court.

I was fortunate to have had my first international experience late last year at the IBSA Goalball World Championships in Portugal as a member of the Aussie Belles Women’s Team. This was my first international competition and has given me my favourite Goalball memory to date - the moment we won our first game.

I am so honoured to have the chance to represent Australia twice more this year which is very humbling.

• Aussie Tinkerbelles - Australian Youth Girls Goalball team at the Youth World Championships from 11-19 July (Brazil).
• Aussie Belles - Australian Women’s Goalball team at the IBSA World Games (Birmingham) from 14 to 28 August 2023.

As we are all aware, international travel is very expensive right now, and there is limited financial support available to help myself and my team mates get there. As a result, any support that can be provided through a tax deductible donation would be absolutely amazing.

I would use any money donated to directly assist with the airfares, accommodation and competition fees we need to pay as part of this experience.