Ambassadors
aaaplay are thrilled to have the support and voices of a diverse and passionate group of Ambassadors. All of our Ambassadors donate their time to champion the Access for All Abilities program.
Andre Ascui
Andre has always loved sports. He played football, cricket, and swam when he was young. He really liked swimming and joined a team for people with disabilities. He had to take breaks because of a shoulder problem.
In late 2015, Andre found Inclusive Sports Training. His coach, Liz Gosper, helped him do his first triathlon. He won and became the 2015 Multiclass State Open Champion. This was a great experience and he made new friends.
His sister Tash also started doing triathlons. They did a program together at the Hawthorn Triathlon Club. With help from Tash, Liz, and the club, Andre did more races. He even did one by himself.
In May 2016, Andre got the ‘Most Inspiring Athlete’ award from Triathlon Victoria. This made him believe in himself even more.
Now, Andre is doing the Duathlon Series with his friends from Inclusive Sports Training. He is part of the Hawthorn Tri Club and goes to Evado Studios gym.
Andre works part-time and helps at Cycle Collective. He even worked out with the Victorian Bushrangers cricket team. He also helps Liz with swimming training and likes being a mentor.
Andre loves triathlons and trains every week. He rides his bike, goes to the gym, runs, and swims.
He is proud to be an AAA ambassador. He wants to share his sports stories to motivate others to join sports programs. Sports can make you healthier, help you make friends, and open up new chances in life.
Chelsea Haag Witherden
Chelsea started dancing when she was 5 years old. In 2013, she moved to Ashwood School and joined their sports program.
Chelsea loves trying new sports. She learned a lot in her PE classes and played basketball, netball, and soccer for her school. Ashwood School is part of a big sports program called School Sport Victoria. Chelsea has done very well in swimming, running, and athletics for her school and the region.
Outside of school, Chelsea still dances. She also joined a swimming group with Inclusive Sports Training and the Melbourne Inner East Special Olympics.
On weekends, Chelsea does triathlons and duathlons with Triathlon Victoria. She even came second in the state for her age group in a duathlon.
Chelsea is always happy and a good sport. She keeps getting better at sports. She has made lots of friends and stays fit by playing sports both in and out of school.
Georgia Powning
Georgia Powning is 23 years old and has a learning disability. She loves sports like running, cycling, and triathlons. She ran a half marathon in Portugal and won a gold medal for Australia. This was her first gold medal! Georgia is part of Inclusive Sports Training and Old Xaverian’s Athletics clubs. She also loves the Collingwood football team.
Georgia has two dogs, Maggie-Pie and Luna. Luna is a West Highland Terrier. Georgia loves watching animal videos on YouTube, especially when Luna tries to catch squirrels.
Her favorite athlete is Abbey Caldwell. Georgia thinks Abbey is a great runner and a nice person. Abbey always says hello at athletics events.
Georgia wants to be a aaaplay Ambassador to encourage more people to play sports and be healthy. She thinks it’s fun and makes you feel good. Her goals for 2023 are to run faster and make the Paralympic team for the 1500m race. As an ambassador, she wants to tell people how good it is to get fit and make friends.
Tony Langdon
Tony loves sports.
We noticed Tony because he often supports aaaplay on social media. He has played many sports since he was young, like running, football, and gymnastics. He is very good at them and loves them a lot. He plans to keep playing.
Staying fit has changed Tony’s life. He has worked hard and won many medals in running events. Sports make Tony feel good about himself. He trains often and wants to win more medals.
You can watch a video about Tony’s journey on YouTube.