With an active career in the military for almost 30 years, Di Jackson was discharged in 2017 due to a disability, but she has not let this stop her from continuing to pursue an active life within the local sporting community.
Di is living with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP), a rare condition that causes slow progressive neuromuscular degeneration in the lower limbs.
Determined to remain as active as possible, she has found much joy in becoming a member of the Airlie Beach Bowls Club and thoroughly enjoys playing bowls.
“It actually gives me great enjoyment to do it. It's also I believe, delaying the progress of my disease,” said Di.
“It's all about being able to physically get in there and do something, compete in sports.”
Last month, one of Di’s dreams came true when she was selected to participate in the Warrior Games in Florida.
After an intensive interview process, with over 200 applicants, Di was one of the 45 people to be selected to attend the first training camp.
Of those 45, 30 were selected for the Warrior Games, and di was among them.
Di’s most preferred sport is powerlifting and she will be competing in that sport at the Warrior Games, she is also competing in cycling, rowing, shotput and discuss.
All games are adapted to enable people living with disabilities to compete safely.
The games are also adapted to let all participants compete regardless of their disability or illness.
Di will be completing the 10km cycle as handcycling, an event she is particularly looking forward to.
“It doesn't really matter what injury or illness you've got,” said Di
“They've adapted it to suit each individual which is fantastic.”
The Warrior Games are on the 21-30 of June and Di is extremely eager to get there and compete.
Di Jackson, Photos supplied
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