On May 11, Blacktown Resident, Rhys Nagas will walk 14.2km from Rooty Hill to Parramatta to raise money for local charity, TNC Incorporated.
TNC Incorporated help people with intellectual disabilities enjoy leisure and recreational activities. Rhys hopes to show through his walk that everyone can stay active by getting involved in the simplest activities.

“I have cerebellar ataxia which effects my balance and mobility. This along with nystagmus, which is uncontrolled eye movement makes it hard to move around at times. I can't play sport anymore, but what I can do and plan to do is walk as much as I can to deal with my disabilities and keep a smile on my face. When I walk I feel like a giant overcoming my disabilities,” Nagas said.
“Having the support of the Greater Western Sydney Giants is awesome, even when this photo was taken I felt even more powerful and capable just because of their encouraging words and presence with me. As the photo was taken one of the players held onto a football and that made me feel proud and took me back to when I once could run around a field all day. I used to play AFL when I was a teenager and having these Giants stand next to me gave me a real boost,” said Nagas
“Everyone can take part in leisure and recreation for enjoyment and fun, for exercise, relaxation and just to take our minds off of things. AFL Football is a leisure activity that fans can take part in for all of these reasons. I walk for all of the above also, to help me cope.”
“I owe it to my wife and son to be responsible and take care of my own health as much as I can as my wife has eldery disabled parents. Due to my diagnosis and leveI of rehabilitation I have not taken on any work in almost three years and we are a one income family and my wife does all she can for me, her Mum and Dad and is the worlds best friend to our fifteen year old son. She is so awesome and loving and full of caring and has so much love. How can I not try my best.”
“I used to work in lifestyle and leisure and didn't realize the role I played until I became unwell myself. I want to help people see that we should all be able to enjoy our recreation and leisure no matter who we are. I want to show this by walking from the GWS Giants Home on Eastern Road, Rooty Hill to Parramatta,” said Nagas.
For more information on Rhys’ walk visit www.copeadvocacy.info or www.tnc.net.au