SHOOTING FOR THE TOP

Shooting for the Top The story of David Malone is inspirational ? not just because he has accomplished something no other Australian with a disability has done, but because of the friendship and … The story of David Malone is inspirational ? not just because he has accomplished something no other Australian with a disability has done, but because of the friendship and support that helped him to achieve it.   Fifty-six year old David has cerebral palsy and uses as walking frame and wheelchair for mobility, and has limited movement in his upper body. Incredibly, David learnt to shoot a high-powered target crossbow 12 months ago ? and discovered he was good at it.   David?s first competition was the CPL archery tournament in 2012, where he scored 289 out of a possible 300 ? quite some achievement ? but the story doesn?t stop there.   The next chapter is even more incredible: David has now attained a Category M crossbow weapon?s licence ? the qualification that will enable him to compete in all abilities club, State and National shooting tournaments.   Obtaining the licence took several months of hard work reviewing the exam questions and other licensing requirements, but more importantly, David needed pass the live firing tests ? which he did with flying colours. As part of the licensing requirements, David also joined the Peace International Archery Club in Rockhampton. David?s journey to becoming qualified was a long one and a great example of the way in which the Cerebral Palsy League supports its clients to achieve their life goals.   He may never have lived out his dream without the mentoring and support of Rockhampton Cerebral Palsy League Day Service and Community Access worker John Hans, OAM, who is President of David?s new archery club.   John worked tirelessly and closely with David to achieve this dream ? so much so that it feels like a personal achievement for him also.   ?David has surely proved that people with a disability can achieve anything they want, given the right support and encouragement,? John said.   ?I don?t believe that anybody else has been tested [for a Category M licence] prior to David with his degree of disabilities,? he said.   ?David had tried archery through the Community Access program but physically there?s no way he could use a bow and arrow, so I just asked David if he?d like to give the crossbow a go.   ?David took to it like a duck to water, so we modified the bow to allow David to shoot and from day one he surprised everyone, especially me, by shooting very high scores.?   David and John took the final step in their journey together when they attended the Rockhampton Police Station on Friday 10 May to sign the final page on the David?s licence application, which needed to be witnessed by a Queensland Police Officer.   John is an active advocate and mentor for people with disabilities getting into archery ? and all other sports.   In his quest to make the sport accessible to more people with disabilities, he has written a coaching manual and a disability policy for the club, which has gone to Archery Australia for a roll-out.   ?I?d like to see people with disabilities get into a lot more sports than they are currently able to.   ?You have to look at their disability and then think outside the coaching box about how you?re going to get them to hold and shoot the bow,? he said.