This week in ‘Time of Our Lives’ we meet Timothy Gould, a young man with Down Syndrome who is smashing his goals. At 30 years old, Timothy is on his way to becoming an elite tennis player, already holding a large range of achievements to his name. Timothy has been involved with Down Syndrome Queensland since he was a child and is currently one of our DSQ “Get Active” ambassadors and assisting the Tennis Australia Inclusion Coach at the Come and Try Day for athletes with Down syndrome. In addition to his sporting endeavours, Timothy works as a groundman at a private school whilst training 6 days a week.
When asked what motivates him to reach his potential, Timothy says he wakes up early every morning because he loves his work and is a respected member of his tennis team. He is always excited to go to work and loves the friends he has made throughout his tennis career. Timothy is most proud of his 2021 tennis achievements, where he was awarded Australian Tennis Championships 2021 PWII Winner, QLD and SA Championships 2021 Winner, QLD Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability 2021, and Newcombe Medal Winner for Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability 2021. These achievements are a display of Timothy’s extreme work ethic and dedication to his sport, and he deserves every one of these successes.
While Timothy admits that it takes time to reach his full potential, he never gives up. He strongly believes in doing his absolute best in tournaments and in 2022, he aspires to be a member of the tennis team for the Special Olympics National Games. In addition, depending on Covid, Timothy is aiming to play at the European Championships in Prague. Although these are goals that will require hard work and dedication, Timothy is one to focus solely on the positives of his sport; fitness, health, and the opportunity to make new friends. Timothy also appreciates that he has been lucky enough to travel to places that most people could only dream about through playing the sport he loves.
We are proud to have Timothy as a member of Down Syndrome Queensland and our Get Active Ambassador and can’t wait to hear about his newest successes. We wish Timothy all the best for 2022, and hopes he will continue to excel in his tennis career.
Does your club need assistance providing inclusive sport and recreation? Or are you a parent who needs assistance joining an inclusive sporting club? Get Active is here to help!
Get Active is a social inclusion program and accompanying resource kit. The program educates local sport and physical activity providers (clubs, coaches, and volunteers) to increase their capability to deliver accessible, inclusive programs that meet the needs of people with DS and other intellectual disabilities.
For more information contact: Liz Willis, Get Active Program Coordinator Ph: 07 3356 6655 Email: getactive@downsyndromeqld.org.auOr visit the Get Active website: https://getactive.net.au/
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