Teen soccer player Ruby Miller fundraising for Deaflympics debut

A soccer player (Ruby Miller) wearing a yellow jersey stands in front of the goal net on an outdoor field at sunset, holding a blue and white soccer ball. The Deaf Sports Australia logo appears in the sky area to the left.

Ruby Miller, 17, is set to represent Australia in women’s deaf soccer at the upcoming Deaflympics in Japan, but must raise $10,000 to fund her trip since athletes pay their own way. Her family is running local fundraisers, including selling socks and wood, and seeking sponsorships.

Unlike Olympians and Paralympians, deaf athletes receive limited government support, so community donations and grants are essential for making participation possible. Ruby is determined to succeed despite the challenges and is training hard for the event.

Read more here!

A second chance at life sees siblings represent Australia at World Transplant Games

Two siblings in black athletic clothes are sitting on the grass in a sunlit outdoor field, with a blue soccer ball and a green and yellow sports bag labeled "transplant australia" in front of them. The Transplant Australia logo appears in orange and purple text on the right side of the image.

Emma, 18, and Jacob Evans, 20, share a powerful bond forged through a lifetime of illness. Born with a rare autoimmune condition that limited their life expectancy to just 30 years, the siblings spent much of their childhood in hospitals undergoing treatments and trials.

In 2020, Jacob received a groundbreaking transplant, with Emma following a year later. The procedures transformed their lives, giving them the chance at longer, healthier futures.

“These two incredible people have built resilience, have built coping skills, are each other’s best friends,” Steve Evans said.

Now, the pair are representing Australia at the World Transplant Games in Germany. They’ll team up in six-a-side soccer, while Emma also races in the 5km run and Jacob competes in golf.

Read more here!

Victoria Wheelchair Rugby Program Transitions to Wheelchair Rugby Australia

Logo for Wheelchair Rugby included the wording "Wheelchair Rugby Australia" with a stick figure person in the colour green on a yellow wheelchair.

Wheelchair Rugby Victoria is now managed by Wheelchair Rugby Australia (WRA), marking a new chapter for the sport in the state. After four decades of leadership by Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR), the program’s transition to WRA reflects the sport’s growth and will streamline athlete development under a unified national framework.

WRA, recognised nationally and internationally for wheelchair rugby, will oversee all Victorian programs and work with DSR to keep building participation and opportunities. This move aligns Victoria with other states under WRA, delivering consistent pathways from grassroots to elite level.

Both organisations emphasise their shared commitment to inclusive sport and growth for wheelchair rugby athletes at all levels.

Read more here!