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At 26 years old, Matthew is a passionate athlete who has made a name for himself in the world of Boccie. Despite living with cerebral palsy, he has risen through the ranks, earning medals, forging friendships, and gaining confidence with every game. His journey is one of perseverance, sportsmanship, and pure love for the game.
Matthew’s Boccie journey began about 10 years ago when his family took him to a ‘come and try day’. What started as something to get him active and social quickly became a lifelong passion.
“We went to a ‘come and try day’, looking for something for him to try, get him active, meet people and get him out of the house.” says his mother. But Boccie became so much more—it’s a tight-knit community where the players support each other.
Matthew’s hard work and weekly training has paid off in impressive ways. Some of his achievements include:
Most recently, he took home silver at the Tasmanian Championships, competing against athletes in a higher category. Two weeks before that, he secured 3rd place at the Canberra Open.
“He loves winning medals, but he’s just happy being at boccie, playing with his friends.” his mother shared. For Matthew, the social side is just as important as the competition.
Boccie has done more than fill Matthew’s trophy case—it has transformed him. Once shy and reserved, he has grown into a confident, respected player who others look up to.
“His confidence has skyrocketed […] People are looking up to him now because he’s doing so well” his mother says. ” He’s very humble, and he’s a great sport whether he wins or loses, he’ll always shake hands and be happy, for people when they win.”
Like any athlete, Matthew faces obstacles. Mobility can be difficult, and travel requires extra planning, especially for interstate and international competitions. But for him and his family, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
His mother explained that getting him on a plane or to different venues can be a chore, but seeing how much he gets out of it makes it all worth it.
With a packed schedule ahead, Matthew shows no signs of slowing down. Upcoming competitions include:
Beyond Boccie, Matthew is a huge sports fan, supporting the Newcastle Knights (NRL), Sydney Swans (AFL), and Liverpool FC. He even travelled to Paris last year to watch a friend compete in the Paralympics—where she won silver.
Matthew’s story is a testament to the power of sport in building confidence, community, and joy. Whether on the court or cheering from the sidelines, his enthusiasm and sportsmanship shine through.
For Matthew, it’s not just about winning; it’s about being part of something bigger. Being able to thrive in the community is the real victory for him.
We can’t wait to see what he achieves next!
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