We’re in the business of changing young people’s futures
We’re in the business of changing young people’s futuresWe love hearing updates from past Variety grant recipients who continue to inspire and achieve. One of those recipients Dylan Alcott OAM, and Variety Victoria Ambassador, visits us regularly at events such as the Great Grand Final Lunch to share his story with the extended Variety family. In 2014 the wheelchair tennis ace and Paralympic Gold medallist, made a special sacrifice for Variety.
“I’ve decided to go for a 24 hour world record of wheelchair tennis. It’s a pretty ridiculous idea to be honest,” laughs Dylan.
The young star completed his 24 hour attempt at Melbourne Park with a line‐up of celebrities – including Nick Kyrigos, Elizabeth Cambage, Olympia Valance, Jack Watts and Tom Hawkins amongst others, as well as family members and fans who joined him on court to complete the challenge.
In his effort, Dylan hopes to raise awareness for Variety after we supported him as a child
“Variety saw me using a borrowed tennis wheelchair that didn’t fit me, so they raised the money to get me a new one. Without Variety I don’t think I would be the Paralympic gold medallist that I am today.” The wheelchair tennis ace, who remains passionate about Variety, came up with the idea for the 24‐hour charity tennis challenge whilst driving past Melbourne’s National Tennis Centre one night and set himself a goal to raise $100,000 for Variety and Starlight Children’s Foundation. “Having a disability can be very hard, especially for kids growing up as I experienced firsthand. The donations will assist in granting wishes for sick children and purchasing equipment such as wheelchairs to enable them to live better lives.” “24 hours, I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I’ve always wanted to give back to these charities that helped my family and me so much when I was a kid.” Dylan raised over $100,000 for kids in need. Thank you Dylan, you are an inspiration.
Dylan Martin Alcott, OAM is an Australian wheelchair basketballer, wheelchair tennis player and motivational speaker
Alcott was a member of the Australian “Rollers” wheelchair basketball team and a crucial component in the Rollers gold medal win at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing. At the age of 17 he became the youngest ever gold medal winner for wheelchair basketball, and was the youngest to compete in the Wheelchair Basketball competition. In 2014, he returned to wheelchair tennis with the aiming of participating at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. In winning his second Australian Open in January 2016, he has won three grand slam singles titles.
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If you would like more information or inspiration about raising funds for our life-changing work here at Variety, we would be delighted to hear from you. We can help you reach your goals, while you have fun giving back and helping Aussie kids in need.
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