Giving it all for sport

Western Australian Powerchair Football Association
Driven. Dedicated. Passionate.

Rebecca Evans has a disabling condition called Nemaline Myopathy and relies on an electric wheelchair to get around and a machine to help her breathe.

Last year, Rebecca was selected as vice-captain of the Australian Under 21 Powerchair Football team, despite having played for only two years. She is also in the initial Poweroo squad for the 2021 Sydney World Cup.

"Growing up with a physical disability, I never imagined that sport would play a major role in my life," Rebecca says.

Over the past four years, the psychology student has become an integral part of the Perth powerchair sports scene. She is an enthusiastic member of several sports organisations and generous motivator of others. She is also a leader of the Youth Disability Advocacy Network.

Somehow, Rebecca finds time to co-organise a junior league for young athletes who use power wheelchairs.

"I do what I do because helping people with disabilities is what I am passionate about," Rebecca says.

"If it weren't for my disability, I think my life would be completely different, and not necessarily for the better. I wouldn't have met the people I have met, wouldn't be competing in powerchair sports and wouldn't necessarily have become involved in disability advocacy."

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. The Western Australian Powerchair Football Association will use its grant to contribute towards the cost of a special sports wheelchair for children.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here