Jayde Seed - Westfield Local Heroes 2020
Pushing the boundaries
Rebound WA Inc
Selfless. Committed. Determined.
Jayde Seed is passionate about giving people with disabilities the chance to keep fit and achieve their full potential, just as he has.
Jayde was left with quadriplegia after a football accident in 2003. But participating in wheelchair rugby helped him get through the dark times and push the boundaries of what he thought was possible after his injury.
For 15 years, he has been proudly volunteering for Rebound WA's wheelchair rugby program to raise awareness of the life-changing sport and is now the team captain and coach.
He is a regular visitor to people undergoing rehabilitation in hospital after suffering a traumatic injury.
Jayde talks about the programs offered by Rebound WA and how wheelchair rugby helped him overcome severe depression after his injury and, more recently, cancer treatment.
"Providing hope and support to others who have suffered a traumatic injury like myself is invaluable to their recovery," he says.
Jayde says the physical and mental health benefits the players reap are enormous.
"I feel accomplished when I can introduce new players to this amazing sport," he says.
"I know they are at their most vulnerable and difficult stages of their lives, and I can help them gain confidence and independence through playing sport with their peers."
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Rebound WA will use its grant to fund ongoing costs and to repair equipment so players don't need to share chairs.
For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here