Leading Aussie’s cheer squad at the World Dwarf Games is a challenge which fills Central Coast community advocate, Maree Jenner, with plenty of pride.
Maree, who is a person of short stature, will be cheering hard for around 40 Australian athletes, who’ll attend the 8th edition of the Games in Cologne, Germany later this month.
‘I’m going there as a volunteer support person, and as part of the Short Statured People of Australia,’ Maree said.
‘I’m providing administration and coordination support, but I have another important role – cheering for Australia from the stands.
‘I wanted to go and be there when they win.’
Being on hand to provide coordination and support will be second nature for Maree, who is a Local Area Coordinator with NDIS partner in the community, Social Futures.
In her role, Maree delivers the Different on the Outside Same on the Inside programs to Central Coast Schools. The program aims to remove social barriers and encourage inclusion for people with disability.
‘It helps educate children and teachers around how they can be more accepting and inclusive of all people,’ Maree said.
The World Dwarf Games are the largest international sporting event held exclusively for short statured athletes. Australia has been competing in the World Dwarf Games since they began in 1993 in Chicago.
Featuring sports like athletics, swimming, basketball, soccer, badminton and boccia, the Games will include the biggest contingent of athletes Australia has ever sent.
Maree said she supports the World Dwarf Games because they give short statured people the chance to enjoy competing in sports equally.
‘There is a lot of pride in going to these games and being able to compete and represent Australia,’ Maree said.
‘People with dwarfism are unable to compete equally against average sized people, we will always come last.
‘We love playing sport and participating especially as Australia is so focused on sport and achieving. Young short-statured people want to feel that they belong and can be part of sport, but they need to compete on a level-playing field.
‘Remember we are so rare. My condition affects only one in around every 25,000 births, and some short-statured conditions are one in a million. It is important to be able to compete against people with the same abilities.
‘That is competition!’
Beginning on 28 July, the Games run through until 5 August.
Held every 4 years, Maree said she was also excited that Australia had been chosen to host the 9th edition in 2027.
You can learn more about the World Dwarf Games on their official website.
